Strict security measures will be in place when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle return to the UK today.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will attend the One Young World conference in Manchester on Monday and the WellChild Awards in London on Thursday, with organisers operating a “ring of steel” security protocol.
Harry is currently awaiting a judicial review of a Home Office decision to only provide Met Police protection to his family on a case-by-case basis.
The row about the couple's personal security arrangements is thought to have jeopardised any chance of them travelling to Balmoral to visit the Queen.
Harry was reportedly pursued by a photographer after a children's charity awards in 2021 and organisers will enforce strict measures in a bid to avoid a repeat.
Only accredited guests and photographers will be informed of venue details, with staff at the One Young World conference ejecting unauthorised visitors 90 minutes before the opening ceremony.
The Queen's mobility issues are likely to prevent her from heading to England to see her grandson, while Prince Charles is also expected to spend the week in Scotland and has no plans to meet with his youngest son during their time in the UK.
The Sussexes arrived on British soil from California on Saturday amid scrutiny of their relationship with other royals, with Harry's memoirs due to be published soon and Meghan having given an extensive interview to The Cut last month.
They will be based at their Windsor home, Frogmore Cottage, which is only half a mile from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s new residence.
However, there are reportedly no plans for the brothers to visit each other.
They will spend Monday in Manchester for the One Young World summit, where Meghan is due to speak.
They will then travel to Dusseldorf in Germany for the one-year countdown to the next Invictus Games.
On Thursday, the couple will attend the WellChild Awards together.
The Met declined to comment on security matters.
The Duke has declared his intention to pay for police protection, although the decision rests with a Home Office panel and will not be resolved until after the judicial review.
The Telegraph reported that sources said the couple were keen to attend the events because of the impact their presence could have on the charities in terms of raising awareness and funds after a difficult time due to Covid.
Confirming the Duke’s court battle earlier this year, a spokeswoman said: “During his last visit to the UK in July 2021 – to unveil a statue in honour of his late mother – his security was compromised due to the absence of police protection, whilst leaving a charity event.”
