Prince Harry is facing a “make-or-break” fight over Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet’s UK future, a friend of the Duke of Sussex has claimed.
The Duke’s Court of Appeal challenge regarding his UK security arrangements begins this week.
Prince Harry’s friend explained: “It’s important to him that his kids are able to visit and have happy memories of the UK, but their safety is obviously his main priority.”
The outcome could prove to be a “make-or-break moment” for Harry’s future plans.
Prince Harry facing ‘make-or-break’ fight over Archie and Lilibet’s UK future
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Prince Harry, 40. wishes to spend more time in Britain to support his remaining patronages: WellChild, Scotty’s Little Soldiers and the Invictus Games.
“He’s committed to supporting his UK charities but can’t do that unless it’s safe for him and everyone involved; that’s why we only see him for a day here or there at a time,” another friend continued to tell Hello!.
The impact of Harry’s limited UK visits is felt keenly by his remaining patronages.
WellChild’s chief executive Matt James told the publication: “There is no doubt that having greater time with the Duke, face to face, would have a material impact on us being able to achieve the things we want to achieve.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved to California after they announced they would step back as senior working royals in January 2020NetflixNikki Scott, founder of Scotty’s Little Soldiers, echoed this sentiment.
“Having the Duke attend an event in person means the world to members of Scotty’s – they know he understands them,” she said.
“If he was able to come to the UK more, it would make a massive difference to us.”
Prince Harry is understood to be left “reeling” after stepping down from Sentebale, the charity he founded in memory of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales.
Harry launched legal action against the Home Office following a 2020 decision by Ravec over his security in the UKPA
Dr Sophie Chandauka and Prince Harry pictured in South Africa last OctoberGetty
Despite these challenges, friends remain hopeful that Harry may eventually return to Sentebale once the situation is resolved.
The Duke served as co-founder and patron with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho until last month.
Both royal men resigned in solidarity with the board of trustees after “losing confidence” in the chair, Dr Sophie Chandauka.
Dr Chandauka, in contrast, has refused to stand down.
