05 March 2024 , 14:11
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Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet were unable to meet with Queen Elizabeth II one last time before she died.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry live with their children in California, having left the Royal Family in 2020. The Sussexes managed to bring their children to the UK to meet the late monarch during her Platinum Jubilee and the youngsters were set to reunite with Elizabeth in September 2022, just before her death.
However, it's now been revealed Harry and Meghan were forced to change their plans due to security protocols. In legal documents released after the ruling in Prince Harry's UK security case, it was revealed the Sussexes decided not to bring their children amid safety concerns.
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Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet had been set to meet with the Queen (EPN/Newscom / Avalon)
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry had to change their plans (Getty Images)Their September trip was originally supposed to be a "visit with several charities close to their hearts," but it was extended after Queen Elizabeth died. In court documents, obtained by Town & Country, it's been revealed Meghan and Harry asked for security but were denied by RAVEC (the Royal and VIP Executive Committee).
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The documents read: "The Home Office had been notified on 3 August 2022 that the claimant and his wife and children would be visiting the United Kingdom between 2 and 11 September 2022." On August 10, RAVEC met to decide what, if any, security would be needed.
The court documents continued: "A letter outlining RAVEC’s decision was sent to the Private Secretary to the Sovereign, since the request for protective security had come through the Royal Household."
Queen Elizabeth II sadly died in September 2022 (Getty Images)It was then said that Harry and Meghan's team "wrote to say that the proposed security arrangements for the September visit were not lawful". They also described the measures as "inadequate".
Harry was ruled against by High Court judge Sir Peter Lane after he took legal action over the level of his personal security when visiting the UK. The Duke of Sussex is set to launch an appeal.
Harry had argued his US-based security detail did not have sufficient jurisdiction in Britain to properly protect him and his family. They further argued his hiring of British police officers during the duration of his trips would come at no cost to the taxpayer.
However, Sir Peter Lane concluded there was no unlawfulness in reaching the initial decision on February 28, 2020 to remove his security. The judge found that any departure from policy was justified and said the decision was in no way irrational or marred by procedural unfairness.