Meghan Markle may make her first trip back to the United Kingdom in almost four years this summer, but her return is contingent on securing appropriate protection for her and her family during the visit.

The Duchess of Sussex has not visited the UK since attending the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, and any future journey is expected to coincide with an event marking the one-year countdown to the Birmingham 2027 Invictus Games.

Prince Harry is scheduled to be in Birmingham on July 10 for the promotional occasion, and Markle has previously joined him at similar lead-up events in other countries, though her attendance has not been formally confirmed.

The critical factor shaping any potential visit is the status of security provisions.

After stepping back from senior royal duties in 2020, Harry and Markle lost automatic entitlement to taxpayer-funded armed police protection in Britain.

Harry has been pursuing a review of his security arrangements and has sought a full risk assessment from the relevant UK authorities.

Insiders say the outcome of this review will determine whether the couple, and potentially their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, can travel safely to the UK later this year.

British officials have yet to announce a final decision on the security issue.

Royal commentators note that the couple’s return to the UK could also reflect broader dynamics within the extended royal family and public life.

The Sussexes’ involvement in the Invictus Games, a multisport event for wounded servicemen and women founded by Harry, has made them familiar figures in promotional roles, and Markle’s presence at the Birmingham event could underscore her ongoing support for the initiative.

While the UK government’s ruling on security is not expected before Harry’s separate legal visit this month, those close to the family are reportedly optimistic about a favourable outcome that would enable a joint trip in July.