MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry are set to make their long-awaited return to the UK this week – with an action packed itinerary planned.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are already said to have been given “no drama” orders from the top ahead of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
The couple will reportedly avoid any “surprise” appearances that might overshadow the Queen and plan to “keep it simple” during their stay.
But the landmark trip will see them slip back into the royal fold in many ways – with their biggest family reunion in years set to take place.
Here’s everything we know about the Sussexes’ Jubilee trip.
Lilibet’s Birthday
Meghan, 40, and Harry, 37, are set to fly to the UK this week, with son Archie, three, and Lilibet, who turns one on Saturday, in tow.
The trip will mark the first opportunity many of the royals have ever had to meet Lili – and the Queen is believed to have freed up her diary to attend a possible birthday party for the tot.
Read More Royals
Her Majesty, 96, is likely to miss her favourite sporting event, the Derby, on Saturday — the day her great granddaughter turns one.
She is also expected to “welcome Harry and Meghan with open arms” in the coming days.
Lili’s birthday celebrations are likely to take place at Frogmore Cottage, a stone’s throw from Windsor Castle and where the Sussexes will stay for the weekend.
Security Row
Despite Harry’s security row, he is likely to be given high-level Met Police security while attending royal events this weekend.
The duke is currently suing the Home Office because it refused to spend taxpayers’ money on bodyguards and he feels “unsafe” in the UK as a result.
But Robert Palmer QC, for the Home Office, told The Times the Royal and VIP Executive Committee had previously accorded the duke “a form of exceptional status” which meant he would be considered for personal protection by the police in certain circumstances.
Mr Palmer said “the precise arrangements” would depend on “the reason for his presence in Great Britain” and “by reference to the functions he carries out when present”.
It means they won’t be afforded any state protection if they party with pals privately.
But the Sussexes can bring their US security guards for their own activities.
It comes after the pair recently hired Michael Jackson’s ex-bodyguard – Alberto Alvarez – to lead their new security team.
Unlike officers from the Met, Alvarez is not allowed to carry weapons in the UK – he and his team will also not be given intelligence from the security services.
Sussex HQ
Buckingham Palace has confirmed Meghan, Harry and kids will spend the four-day Jubilee at Frogmore Cottage – after renewing their lease for the Windsor residence.
The duke and duchess spent an unhappy six months there before moving abroad in 2020.
But it’s understood they have now renewed the lease on the property for a further 12 months – allowing plenty of opportunity for them to return to Britain over the next year.
Royal insiders believe the Sussexes, who have a £13million mansion in California, plan to spend more time in Windsor.
And Frogmore is a convenient ten-minute stroll from the Queen’s apartments at Windsor Castle, raising questions around whether they will join Her Majesty’s convoy when it heads to London.
Netflix in tow
Netflix, which is currently filming a docu-series with Harry and Meghan, will not be given any privileged access to royal events over the weekend.
A team of palace “minders” has been tasked to stop any moves by filmmakers to “exploit” the streaming giant’s £112million deal with the couple at the Queen’s four-day celebrations.
And according to The Telegraph, Netflix cameras will be “moved on” if they set up to film from public areas.
A well-placed source told The Celeb Report earlier this month: “While the family are delighted Harry and Meghan are coming, there is a real fear of tension, especially over any Netflix crew.
“There are concerns tension could explode if the Netflix team comes to the UK and tries to exploit their opportunities.
“The worry is they will push it and try to gain access to areas of Jubilee celebration events where they can film Harry and Meghan and their children.
“So a team of Palace aides will be on standby to keep a very close eye on the crew, and act as minders if needs be.”
VIP Guests
It’s likely the Sussexes will be ushered to the VIP section to watch Trooping the Colour on Thursday.
As non-working royals they are excluded from any formal proceedings and they will be banned, along with Prince Andrew, from appearing on the balcony of Buckingham Palace afterwards.
Read More on The Celeb Report
They will however, join the Queen for a service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday.
The service, which will celebrate Her Majesty’s reign, is set to mark the couple’s first outing together with the entire Royal Family since they quit the Firm in 2020.
