Prince Harry vows to 'explore every option' for Archie and Lilibet's UK return in fresh statement

Prince Harry has vowed to explore every available option to bring Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet to the UK in a fresh statement.The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were due to come to Britain next month to mark the one-year countdown ahead of the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham.However, the trip was thrown into uncertainty this weekend with regard to security and whether Harry would receive taxpayer-funded protection for his family during their stay.In a new statement, the duke's spokesman told GB News: “Prince Harry’s programme in the United Kingdom includes both public and private engagements across the country. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say “Safe accommodation is only one element of an effective protective security plan because risk follows the person, not the place.“The issue has never been accommodation. The issue is whether appropriate and proportionate protective security is being provided throughout the entirety of the visit. “The independent Risk Management Board that Ravec itself decided was necessary last November has still not taken place. “It is therefore difficult to understand how the proportionality of the current arrangements can credibly be maintained without that independent assessment.“The Duke continues to explore every available option to enable the visit to proceed safely and to give his children the opportunity to enjoy the UK.”Prince Harry and Meghan lost their right to automatic state-level protective security when they stepped down as senior working royals in 2020.The Duke of Sussex, who has made periodic trips to Britain over the last few years, is now awarded taxpayer-funded security on a case-by-case basis.He also has to let the Home Office know of his intentions to travel to the UK 30 days in advance.LATEST ROYAL DEVELOPMENTSWilliam shares favourite memory of late Queen for digital memorialMeghan teases latest company product amid UK trip uncertaintyDiana wanted Meghan and Catherine to share her jewelleryThe duke has previously expressed concerns about bringing his family to the UK following his unsuccessful legal challenge over publicly funded police protection.Speaking to the BBC after that ruling, he stated: I can't see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the UK at this point.Over the weekend, it was understood that the Royal Household had not received any acceptance from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex regarding an offer to stay at a royal property during their forthcoming UK trip.This contradicted previous reporting that Prince Harry and Meghan had agreed to stay in accommodation on a royal estate.The trip, scheduled for next month, would mark the first occasion Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, have visited Britain since 2022.Both children accompanied their parents at the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations four years ago.Prince Harry's programme, if unchanged, will commence with an Invictus Games Foundation event at Chatham House before the couple make their first joint public appearance in Britain since 2020 at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.Neither Archie nor Lilibet, if they accompany their parents to the UK, are expected to participate in official engagements during the visit, with details of private arrangements remaining undisclosed. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter