Harry poised to cancel UK return for Invictus Games Service over security fears

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Prince Harry is considering appearing at the Invictus Games service virtually (Image: Getty Images)

In a move that underscores ongoing security concerns, Prince Harry is considering appearing at the Invictus Games 10th Anniversary Service via video link or a pre-recorded message, following his recent legal setback over security arrangements in the UK.

The Duke of Sussex, who founded the Invictus Games to aid the rehabilitation of wounded veterans through international sporting events, is currently locked in discussions over whether to attend the May 8 event at St. Paul's Cathedral in person.

This decision comes after he lost a bid to appeal his case against the Home Office over police protection, leaving him without the automatic right to use the royal security services.

"Whenever Harry travels to the UK, his trips are always dependent on how secure he is," the source said. "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."

Prince Harry's recent legal battle centred on the Home Office's refusal to allow him to pay for police protection when he visits England. Since stepping back as a working royal, Harry and his family have been based in the United States, and the UK government's stance is that his security, when in Britain, should be self-funded, except during official royal events or when accompanying the royal family.

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"Harry wants to spend more time in the UK with his family," the source said. "But there's no way he can do that while a question mark hangs over his security detail."

Harry's claim for better protection was dismissed in February after two and a half years of legal wrangling. Court documents released last week revealed that his application to appeal the ruling was also rejected by the judge, as was his request to pay just 40 percent of the government's costs, which exceeded £500,000. The judge ordered him instead to pay 90 percent which means that Harry now faces an estimated cost of £1 million, including his own legal fees.

"Harry is extremely disappointed by the decisions made regarding his security," the source said. "His request for security was not just for his personal safety but also for his family, the public and the officers assigned to him."

Despite the setback, the source states that Prince Harry remains committed to the Invictus Games and its participants. The upcoming 10th anniversary service marks a decade since the launch of his initiative. As he finalises plans to attend, Harry may need to settle for a virtual appearance if his plans don't align with what security arrangements are on offer during the event.

Prince Harry is keen to return to the UK with his wife and young children (Image: PA)

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"Discussions with the relevant departments are ongoing," the source adds. "Harry won't attend if his team feels like his security might be compromised in any way."

Meanwhile, security experts are speculating that this situation may set a precedent for how Prince Harry's visits to the UK will be managed in the future, particularly in light of the evolving role and geographic location of Harry and his family.

It was revealed last week that Prince Harry had updated his records in the UK to make clear that he no longer lives in Britain.

Filings published by Companies House for 'Prince Henry Charles Albert David Duke of Sussex' show that his 'New Country/State Usually Resident' is now the USA. The change comes as pressure increases on US President Joe Biden's government to release Harry's visa records.

"It's not news that Harry's main residence is now in the United States," the source said. "He had to register his permanent address when he was evicted from Frogmore and that was done last June. He's been living in Montecito with his family since last summer and everybody knows it."

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