The Invictus Games 10th Anniversary Service is rapidly approaching, and Prince Harry‘s attendance is suddenly a major question mark. The event, which is scheduled for May 8 at St. Paul’s Cathedral, might be without its star if security concerns aren’t ironed out.
It seemed like a natural fit for the Duke of Sussex to attend the celebration, especially as the British government tries to woo the games back to the U.K. for 2027. However, Prince Harry’s recent court setback after losing his appeal against a High Court to have automatic police protection any time he visits (and remember, he’s willing to pay for this service out of pocket), dramatically changed his planned itinerary.
A source shared the royal family member’s issues with the Express, noting, “Whenever Harry travels to the UK, his trips are always dependent on how secure he is. Before deciding whether to attend the Invictus Games anniversary event, his security team must be sure that St. Paul’s is adequately protected by the Metropolitan Police and his own security needs are met while he’s in London.” Even if the details are worked out, it sounds like only Harry will be in attendance for the anniversary — the rest of his young family will stay in the U.S.
The timing of the appeal isn’t great either because “Harry wants to spend more time in the UK with his family.” He and King Charles III have seen a softening in their tense relationship and Harry wants to be there for his dad as he battles cancer. “But there’s no way he can do that while a question mark hangs over his security detail,” added the insider. “Harry is extremely disappointed by the decisions made regarding his security. His request for security was not just for his personal safety but also for his family, the public, and the officers assigned to him.”
Even if Prince Harry can’t attend in person, he will make a virtual appearance because he is committed to making the Invictus Games a long-term success. The Sussex source revealed that the security detail discussions are “ongoing,” so he might attend at the last minute as long as the situation is safe for him. It’s been a long fight for Harry with the British government, and probably one of the reasons why he now calls the U.S. his home.
Before you go, click here to see more of Meghan Markle & Prince Harry’s milestones since leaving the royal family.
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