Meghan Markle may return to the United Kingdom for the first time since September 2022, marking nearly four years since her last visit to British soil. The Duchess of Sussex could join Prince Harry in Birmingham this July for the one-year countdown celebration ahead of the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, which will run from July 10-17, 2027.
Meghan’s last appearance in the UK was at Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral in September 2022, where she joined the royal family in mourning the late monarch. The potential visit represents a significant moment for the Sussexes, who stepped back from their roles as senior working royals in 2020 and relocated to California with their two children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4.
Security Concerns Remain Primary Obstacle
The key factor determining whether Meghan will accompany Harry to the UK centers on the resolution of ongoing security arrangements. Prince Harry has been engaged in a lengthy legal battle to secure adequate protection for his family during UK visits, stating in court that it is “impossible” to bring Meghan and their children to Britain without proper security measures in place.
A security review is currently underway, with Harry’s team reporting “positive” signals from the UK government regarding potential upgrades to his protection detail. Royal experts suggest that Meghan will only return if automatic armed security is guaranteed, particularly given the couple’s concerns about safety after losing publicly funded police protection when they stepped down as working royals.
Sources indicate that under the current RAVEC protocol, which requires 30 days’ notice for threat assessment, both Harry and Meghan would likely receive armed security for an Invictus appearance, though no final decision has been announced.
Bullying Allegations and Staff Treatment Claims
The Sussexes’ relationship with palace staff has been the subject of significant scrutiny following bullying allegations that emerged in 2018 and resurfaced in 2021. Buckingham Palace launched an investigation in March 2021 after The Times published claims from former communications secretary Jason Knauf, who alleged that Meghan had bullied two personal assistants and undermined the confidence of a third staff member during her time at Kensington Palace.
The investigation was completed in June 2022, but the findings remain private, with palace officials stating only that “lessons have been learned” and recommendations have been incorporated into HR policies. Meghan’s representatives strongly denied the allegations, calling them “a calculated smear campaign” and noting that the duchess herself has been a target of bullying.
It’s important to note that claims about staff being barred from eye contact are unsubstantiated allegations that have circulated in tabloid reports and social media, not verified facts. Royal protocol actually requires maintaining eye contact when meeting members of the royal family as a sign of respect.
Public Reception and Royal Family Dynamics Complicate Return
Beyond security considerations, Meghan faces significant challenges regarding public perception and her strained relationship with certain members of the royal family. Royal experts have expressed skepticism about whether Meghan will make the journey, noting that she was audibly booed during her last public appearances in the UK and that her popularity ratings in Britain remain low.
Prince William reportedly “blames Meghan Markle for escalating their private tensions into a highly public media circus” and has shown little tolerance for reconciliation, according to royal commentators. However, King Charles, who is dealing with his own health challenges, is believed to support efforts toward family unity and may welcome the opportunity to spend time with his grandchildren, whom he has rarely seen since 2022.
As the July countdown event approaches, all eyes will be on whether security arrangements are finalized and whether Meghan decides the timing is right to return to a country where her reception remains decidedly mixed.
Sources:
Us Weekly (Christopher Andersen interview), January 2026
Rob Shuter Substack #Shuterscoop, January 12, 2026
Daily Express (Sussex source denial), January 15, 2026
People Magazine, January 12, 2026
The Royal Observer, January 2026
The Sun, January 2026