Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have touched down in London with their children, as reported by Page Six. It’s the first time their daughter Lilibet has visited the UK, days before her first birthday on Saturday 4 June. It's also only the second time Meghan has returned to the UK in over two years.
Discover our latest podcast
The Prince is in the middle of a legal row with the Government over a Home Office decision to strip him of his permanent police protection in the UK, with his lawyers telling the High Court he was 'unable to return home' over fears it is not safe for his family. So what security will the family have?
The Sussexes' security arrangements
After secretly visiting the Queen at Windsor Castle at the end of April, the Duke apparently received 'cast iron assurances' that he, Meghan, and their children will be protected during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, according to The Mirror.
The family landed in a London airport via private jet from LAX airport, and GB News reports that the Queen sent three of her close protection officers and a royal private car to pick them up.
According to the Evening Standard, Harry and Meghan have brought their own personal security detail from California but will become the Metropolitan Police’s responsibility now they're in the UK. What's more, their bodyguards will not be allowed to carry guns in the UK.
Security sources revealed to The Mirror that the Met’s Royalty and Specialist Protection unit have been liaising with the Duke’s team for weeks to guarantee they will be looked after by taxpayer-funded officers as much as possible.
Although the family will be protected by armed British officers while at Frogmore Cottage and official Platinum Jubilee events, this will not extend to private events, according to Mail Online. The couple are apparently being denied VIP 24/7 armed protection from British police.
What events will they attend?
As a result, it's expected that the Sussexes will only leave to attend a few Platinum Jubilee events.Buckingham Palace has announced that the couple will watch the Trooping of the Colour with members of the monarchy from the prime vantage point of the Duke of Wellington’s former office, overlooking Horse Guards Parade, as reported by The Independent.
Harry and Meghan will also apparently attend the Service of Thanksgiving with the Queen at St Paul's Cathedral on Friday morning and the BBC's Party at the Palace the next evening.
There is also speculation that they may host a first birthday party for Lilbet at Frogmore Cottage on Saturday, with members of the Royal Family expected to attend, and they may have her christened with the Queen present.
Read more:
⋙ The Queen: Here's what to expect for the Platinum Jubilee this weekend
⋙ Prince Harry and Meghan Markle told the Queen they never wanted to be on the palace balcony
⋙ Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: Who is Christopher Sanchez, their new bodyguard?