Prince Harry Planning Two Important U.K. Visits In 2021: Report
Prince Harry is, reportedly, planning out his return to the United Kingdom, six months after his departure from the royal family with Meghan Markle.
Reports from Daily Mirror cited that the Duke of Sussex is making the arrangements for his trip back to London. Royal commentator Lizzie Robinson of the ITV Royal Rota podcast said that Prince Harry has a target to travel for the Invictus Games in 2021.
The sports event is taking place in The Hague in the Netherlands in the second half of 2021. However, Robinson said that Harry will likely make a stop in the U.K. during this trip since he is already in Europe.
The Invictus Games was originally scheduled to take place in 2020 but, because of the coronavirus, Harry and the organizers pushed the events to the summer of 2021. In a video statement in March, the Duke of Sussex that the decision was the "most sensible and safest option" amid the pressing public health crisis.
But, Robinson also clarified Harry's return to the U.K. is still a speculation. The commentator said that anyone would expect to see the Duke of Sussex at the Invictus Games but things could still be up in the air about his return to his homeland.
If Prince Harry won't be able to make back to London next summer, he also has another plan to be home for the Rugby League World Cup. This event is taking place in October 2021 with England as the host.
In a video conference, Harry indicated that he will not miss this monumental football event because of England's big role. He told a group of players and coaches in August that he would have actually been home if COVID-19 wasn't a problem for travels. The Duke of Sussex remains the patron of the Royal Football League despite his step back from his royal roles.
Meanwhile, Finding Freedom author Omid Scobie said that Prince Harry and Meghan will have to come back to the U.K. eventually for their charity work. When the lockdown eases, Scobie is certain that the couple will fly back home and be "active in the field."
Scobie said that the U.K. will always be important for the Sussex pair and they have been keenly active with their charities back home via Zoom calls. But, as much as they love the country and its people, Scobie does not think Prince Harry and Meghan will resume their royal duties, despite an open invitation from Queen Elizabeth that they are always welcome back to the Firm.