Prince Harry ‘Wants the Full Royal Treatment’ for His and Meghan Markle’s UK Visit: ‘Still a Prince’

Prince Harry and those at Buckingham Palace reportedly have different visions for his upcoming visit to the U.K.

As Closer readers know, Harry will return to his home country with his wife, Meghan Markle, and children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, from July 7 to July 11.

According to the Thursday, July 2 edition of Rob Shuter‘s Naughty But Nice Substack, a source claimed the Spare author, 41, “believes he should be treated the way the Prince and Princess of Wales are when they travel overseas,” and “wants the full royal treatment because, in his mind, he’s still a prince.”

However, palace officials don’t want the public to get the wrong impression.

“The last thing the Palace wants is headlines suggesting Britain is hosting an official visit from the American prince and princess,” a second source explained. “Harry and Meghan are no longer working royals. The optics have to reflect that.”

Insiders told Shuter that the Palace will carefully think through the details — including lodging and public appearances — of the Sussexes’ impending visit.

“This isn’t about being petty — it’s about protecting the institution,” a third insider noted. “William and Catherine represent the Crown. Harry and Meghan do not. The Palace can’t blur that line, even for a day.”

A fourth source insisted, “Optics matter to the Royal Family, and they matter just as much to Harry and Meghan.”

“Harry wants recognition of who he is by birth,” the source continued. “The Palace wants the public to see the monarchy exactly as it exists today. That’s why every detail of any visit could become a negotiation.”

As far as accommodations go, USA Today reported on Saturday, June 27, that Harry and the As Ever founder, 44 — who were last in England together in 2022 for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral — have accepted King Charles III‘s offer to stay in a royal residence for part of their trip.