EXCLUSIVE: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex originally planned to bring their children to the UK.

Harry and Meghan

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will step foot in the UK next week (Image: Jonathan Brady-Pool/Getty Images)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expected to come to the UK next week, and their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet were believed to be coming with them. While the family-of-four were reportedly ready to step foot in Britain together for the first time since 2022, the plans have since been thrown up in the air.

This is because Harry, 41, has found out that his family will not get taxpayer-funded security for their visit. Despite the fact they have been invited to stay at a royal residence, it is believed Harry does not think Britain is safe without this armed police protection, and is now reportedly looking at other ways in which his children can see his home country safely. It is therefore believed that his children could still step foot in the UK within weeks.

If this is the case, one brand and culture expert thinks that by bringing their children to the UK, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are using a “smart move”.

This is because Harry and Meghan aren’t always too popular in Britain, however the presence of their children would remind people of who they are away from the cameras and publicity – which is, simply, two parents.

Speaking exclusively to The Daily Express, expert Nick Ede said:“Bringing Archie and Lilibet could prove to be a smart move.

“It reminds people that behind all the headlines are two parents raising a young family.”

Sussex family

The children may no longer come to the UK (Image: Instagram / @meghan)

He continued: “Children often soften public perception because they move the conversation away from controversy and back towards family, which is something many people can relate to.”

Archie and Lilibet have not visited the UK since 2022 when they marked Lilibet’s first birthday.

It is believed Harry wanted to bring them to his home country from America this summer so they could see where he grew up and get to spend time with their grandfather King Charles.

The family are believed to have been spending time at the moment at their Portugal holiday pad before the UK trip