A public disagreement has emerged between Prince Harry and Buckingham Palace regarding the Duke of Sussex’s accommodation during his visit to the UK this week. While the Duke’s team initially announced he had accepted an invitation to stay at the palace, Buckingham Palace has since stated that the offer is no longer available.
Royal sources cited by the BBC indicate that the Duke failed to respond to the invitation by a designated deadline late last week. Consequently, palace officials informed his team over the weekend that arrangements for his stay could no longer be facilitated, as the Royal Household requires sufficient notice to prepare for guests. A spokesperson for Prince Harry expressed disappointment, claiming that the offer had been formally accepted and subsequently withdrawn at the last moment.
The dispute highlights ongoing communication challenges between the two parties. Buckingham Palace reportedly raised concerns regarding the timing of the stay, which coincided with the publication of a court result involving the Duke’s legal battle with Associated Newspapers. The Duke’s representatives have rejected this as a factor, noting that the court timeline was established well in advance.
Prince Harry is in the UK to promote the Invictus Games and attend various charity events. The accommodation row has raised questions about the possibility of a meeting between the Duke and King Charles, which had been anticipated for this week. The Duke’s visit takes place amid his long-running security dispute with the UK government, which has already led to his decision to travel without his wife, Meghan, and their two children.