Prince Harry will not be staying at Buckingham Palace during his London visit this week, after an accommodation offer from King Charles was withdrawn.
The Duke of Sussex is traveling to the UK for Invictus Games events and had been offered a royal residence to stay in while in town. But a deadline to formally respond passed at the end of last week, leaving the palace unable to host him.
The conflicting accounts have laid bare the strained relationship between Harry and his father. Buckingham Palace says the offer was extended, but the Duke’s team failed to confirm whether he would accept. According to palace sources, Harry’s team formally declined the invitation on Saturday, then changed their mind and accepted later that same day, but by then, it was too late to make the necessary staffing and security arrangements.
Harry’s spokesperson tells a different story. They claim the offer was formally accepted, and the palace withdrew it unexpectedly. “It is therefore unclear why, having formally accepted the accommodation offer, it has now been withdrawn at the last moment,” the spokesperson said, calling the decision “disappointing”.
The palace reportedly cited Harry’s ongoing legal case against Associated Newspapers, with a ruling due on Tuesday, as a reason for concern, saying hosting him could compromise the King’s constitutional position. Harry’s team rejects that explanation, noting the judgment date was known last week.
Behind the scenes, security remains a sticking point. Harry had been reconsidering whether to bring Meghan and their children after being denied taxpayer-funded police protection. His wife and kids will not join him in London, though they might appear later in Birmingham.
Harry will proceed with his engagements this week, including events marking one year until the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham. It’s unclear whether he’ll meet with King Charles, but the invitation row isn’t exactly a warm welcome.
