Prince Harry is traveling to the United Kingdom by himself in July 2026, according to People magazine. Just days before, he and his wife Meghan Markle had announced they would bring their two children, Archie and Lilibet. Now that plan is off.

What happened? The British government said no to Harry's request for police protection. On June 28, The Guardian reported that this rejection caused the family to cancel their trip. The BBC confirmed it the same day.

Harry has been fighting for police protection since 2020, when he and Meghan stopped performing royal duties and moved to California. They lost their government-paid security when they left. Since then, Harry has gone to British courts several times, asking for that protection back. He says private security isn't good enough because his guards cannot carry guns in the UK. The British government, though, has a set process for deciding who gets police protection. It's called RAVEC—the Royal and VIP Executive Committee. They decide based on risk, not because someone asks. That decision has held firm through all of Harry's court cases.

Why This Trip Mattered

What makes this harder is that Harry wanted his children to see their grandfather, King Charles III. Harry worried they might not get that chance, The Guardian reported. In February 2024, King Charles announced he had cancer. That made this trip feel urgent.

Harry and Charles didn't meet when the King visited California in April 2026. The New York Times reported there was no plan for them to see each other. The July trip to the UK had felt like it might be different.

What Happens Now

By going alone, Harry solves the immediate problem without giving up his legal fight. His court cases about police protection are still happening. Traveling without Meghan and the children removes the biggest security issue. Whether he might see Charles in a quieter, less formal way during this trip is unknown.

Harry has said he won't bring his family to the UK without security he trusts. The British government shows no sign of changing its mind. Every time a family visit falls apart, his children lose more chances to know their father's home country and to spend time with their grandfather while he is still here.

According to People, Harry is still trying to find ways to bring his family to the UK eventually. For July, though, the trip is now just for him.