Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, continues to maintain strong ties to the United Kingdom through his philanthropic work and family connections, even while living in the United States with his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
While Meghan Markle has not returned to the UK since Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral in September 2022, Harry has made several solo visits over the past two years. His upcoming engagements in London and Nottingham highlight his ongoing commitment to charitable causes, despite ongoing security-related legal challenges.
This article reviews Prince Harry’s return to the UK, his philanthropic initiatives, and the legal proceedings that shape his visits.
Prince Harry’s Connection to the UK
Prince Harry, born in 1984 as the younger son of King Charles III and the late Diana, Princess of Wales, grew up in Britain as a central figure of the royal family. As the Duke of Sussex, he has balanced his royal role with independent charitable efforts, particularly following his decision with Meghan to step back from official royal duties in 2020.
Although the couple now resides in California, Harry has continued to participate in UK-based events that reflect his long-standing commitment to mental health, youth empowerment, and veterans’ causes.
Meghan Markle’s Last Visit to the UK
Meghan Markle’s most recent visit to the UK was in September 2022 for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. Since then, her focus has primarily been on projects in the United States, including philanthropic and media initiatives. While public interest often speculates about her potential return to the UK, no official plans have been announced by the Duchess of Sussex.
Prince Harry’s Upcoming UK Engagements
WellChild Awards in London
Prince Harry will attend the WellChild Awards in London on September 8, 2025. The event coincides with the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing.
The Duke has been a patron of WellChild, a UK charity supporting seriously ill children and their families, since 2007. His long-standing involvement underscores his dedication to child welfare and healthcare causes.
Visit to Nottingham
On September 9, 2025, Prince Harry will travel to Nottingham to visit the Community Recording Studio (CRS). During the visit, he is expected to announce a donation to Children in Need, supporting efforts to reduce youth violence.
The event will also bring together local organizations, including Epic Partners and Coach Core, an apprenticeship initiative that provides opportunities for disadvantaged young people. By connecting grassroots programs with broader networks of support, Harry aims to highlight community-driven approaches to youth development.
Philanthropy and the Duke’s Global Impact
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle lead various philanthropic initiatives through the Archewell Foundation, which focuses on mental health, digital well-being, climate change, and support for communities in need.
Harry’s charitable commitments have long emphasized vulnerable groups, from his co-founding of the Invictus Games for wounded service members to his support of children’s health organizations. His visits to the UK often serve to spotlight these causes and reaffirm his connection to communities there.
Legal Dispute Over Security in the UK
A significant factor influencing Prince Harry’s visits to the UK is his legal challenge regarding security arrangements.
The Ravec Decision
The Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec), which oversees security for members of the royal family and high-profile figures, previously determined that Harry would not receive the same taxpayer-funded police protection provided to senior working royals. Instead, his family would be offered security on a case-by-case basis when visiting the UK.
Court of Appeal Ruling
Prince Harry contested this decision, arguing that the security measures were insufficient for his family’s safety. However, in May 2025, the UK Court of Appeal dismissed his claim. Sir Geoffrey Vos, Master of the Rolls, upheld the earlier ruling that taxpayer-funded armed police would not be automatically provided for Harry, Meghan, Archie, or Lilibet during UK visits.
This decision marked a significant setback for the Duke, who has maintained concerns about ensuring his family’s protection while in Britain.
Balancing Family and Duty
Although legal restrictions affect how and when Meghan and the children may return to the UK, Prince Harry has continued to balance his personal responsibilities as a husband and father with his public commitments.
His philanthropic visits demonstrate that, despite challenges, he remains engaged with causes close to his heart in Britain. By continuing to attend events like the WellChild Awards and supporting youth initiatives in Nottingham, Harry reinforces his connection to the UK even while raising his family abroad.
Public Reaction and Media Interest
Prince Harry’s movements between the United States and the United Kingdom consistently attract global media attention. His legal battles, philanthropic efforts, and personal choices regarding family visits are followed closely by both royal watchers and the public.
While speculation often surrounds the possibility of Meghan Markle and their children returning to the UK, confirmed details remain limited to official announcements. This reflects the importance of distinguishing between verified reports and commentary.
The Broader Context of Royal Family Roles
Prince Harry’s situation also reflects the evolving structure of the British monarchy. Following King Charles III’s accession, the royal family has sought to define the roles of working royals while respecting the personal independence of those who have stepped back from formal duties.
Harry and Meghan’s decision in 2020 to pursue financial independence and relocate to the United States reshaped how they engage with both British and global audiences. While no longer working royals, their charitable projects continue to reflect the values of service and community support associated with their former roles.
Conclusion
Prince Harry’s upcoming visit to the UK highlights the balance he maintains between personal family life abroad and ongoing commitments to British charities. His attendance at the WellChild Awards in London and his Nottingham youth initiative visit reaffirm his dedication to supporting children and young people.
At the same time, his legal challenges regarding security underscore the complexities of navigating public life outside the framework of traditional royal protection.
While Meghan Markle and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, have not returned to Britain since 2022, Harry’s regular visits demonstrate his enduring ties to the UK and his wish to contribute to causes that matter deeply to him.
The Duke of Sussex remains a figure of international interest—balancing philanthropy, legal hurdles, and family priorities while continuing to shape his role on the global stage.