Prince Harry is reportedly preparing to return to Britain in the lead-up to the 2027 Invictus Games, although reports suggest he will make the journey without Meghan Markle or their two children because of continuing concerns over security.

The Duke of Sussex has consistently argued that current security arrangements make it difficult for him to bring his family to the UK. Since he and Meghan stepped down as working members of the Royal Family in 2020, they have no longer received the same level of taxpayer-funded police protection while in Britain.

According to a report by Page Six, Harry had hoped Meghan, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet would be able to accompany him on the trip. However, the publication claimed ongoing concerns surrounding security have ruled out those plans.

The report also alleged the Duke would welcome the opportunity to see King Charles during the visit, claiming Harry "desperately" wanted a reunion with his father.

The issue of security has remained a major point of contention for the Duke in the years since he left royal duties. Harry has repeatedly challenged decisions relating to his protection in the UK and has argued that the current arrangements leave his family vulnerable.

In a statement submitted to the High Court in London in 2023, Harry outlined his concerns about returning to Britain with Meghan and their children.

He said: "The UK is my home. The UK is central to the heritage of my children and a place I want them to feel at home as much as where they live at the moment in the United States.

"That cannot happen if there is no possibility to keep them safe when they are on UK soil."

Harry's legal battle over his security arrangements suffered a setback when he lost an appeal against the Government's decision.

Speaking to the BBC following the ruling, the Duke said he was "devastated" by the outcome and suggested the dispute had affected his relationship with the King.

He said: "He won't speak to me because of this security stuff."

Harry also told the broadcaster that concerns surrounding his protection affect him "every single day".

The Duke further claimed that visits organised through invitations from the Royal Family provide a different level of security, making those occasions the only times he feels able to return safel, reports Sky Australia.

Debate over whether the Sussexes should receive taxpayer-funded protection has continued amongst royal commentators and observers.

Critics have argued that, having stepped away from official royal duties, the couple should not automatically receive the same arrangements previously afforded to them.

Their visit to Australia earlier this year also prompted criticism amid reports concerning the costs associated with security and policing operations. Some commentators argued such appearances risk blurring the distinction between private ventures and official royal engagements.

Royal commentator Hilary Fordwich was amongst those critical of the couple's approach following their departure from frontline royal life.

Speaking to Fox News, she said: "What Queen Elizabeth II viewed as totally and utterly unacceptable has been adopted by the Sussexes as their modus operandi, blurring the line between being private citizens and wannabe celebrities while leveraging their royal connections.

"Each trip they make is styled to be rather like a faux-royal tour as they seem to monetize almost every moment."