Prince Harry will travel to the United Kingdom this week without his wife, Meghan, or their two children, Archie and Lilibet, following the government’s refusal to extend police protection beyond royal residences, raising concerns among security experts about the family’s safety.

The Duke of Sussex is scheduled to arrive in Britain on Friday for events marking the one-year countdown to the Invictus Games in Birmingham. Originally, it was reported that Meghan and their children, aged seven and five, would accompany him and stay in a royal residence. However, apprehensions over security when outside official royal grounds in London have led to a change of plans, with the family remaining apart during the visit.

The decision stems from a report commissioned by a US private security firm responsible for Harry’s protection, which highlighted multiple serious threats against the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Among these were six terrorist plots, five allegedly based in the UK, including an Al-Qaeda call for Harry’s assassination. These findings were submitted to the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec), a security body that includes members from the Royal Household, the Home Office, the Metropolitan Police, and the King’s private secretary, Sir Clive Alderton. Despite the intelligence presented, Ravec denied Harry’s request for extended police protection.

Ravec’s decision is reportedly based on expert risk assessments and government policy considerations, including the Duke’s prior military service in Afghanistan and the nature of threats from Islamist groups. Harry’s existing security arrangements remain in place within royal properties, but there will be no official protection for his family members while traveling beyond these areas.

Security experts have expressed concern over the lack of police protection. A former Metropolitan Police firearms officer and bodyguard noted that failing to provide security to such a high-profile individual could damage public confidence in policing. He stated that, given Harry’s prominence as the brother of the future king, it would be expected for the government to ensure his safety, especially when accompanied by family. Another former close protection officer emphasized that an intelligence-led approach and enhanced security, including multiple security vehicles and rotating 24-hour officer teams, would typically be necessary when protecting someone of Harry’s profile and family circumstances.

The involvement of children adds further complications, as some security professionals argue that the presence of minors reduces the tolerable risk level because they cannot consent or respond quickly to emergencies.

Harry lost a previous legal appeal last year contesting the revocation of official police security, a status that was withdrawn in 2020 when he stepped back from senior royal duties. Since then, he and Meghan have not traveled to the UK together, except for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.

Historical threats against Harry include targeting by far-right extremist groups such as National Action, which viewed him critically due to his marriage to Meghan. Despite the varying nature of risks, many security professionals believe that persistent threats from fixated individuals and stalkers present a more immediate danger than terrorism.

A government spokesman reiterated that the UK’s protective security system is comprehensive and proportionate but declined to provide further details to avoid compromising security arrangements.