After the couple announced they would bring their children—Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5—questions about protection sparked a public standoff. An offer from King Charles to host them at a royal residence was initially declined, later pursued by Harry, but palace officials said the deadline had passed, forcing a change of plans.
Harry attended the Birmingham Invictus countdown solo, while Meghan and the children returned later for a private reunion with King Charles and Queen Camilla. Those close to the couple called the episode stressful; a long-awaited security review by RAVEC remains ongoing after their protection was withdrawn when they stepped back from royal duties in 2020.