Prince Harry’s latest trip to the United Kingdom has taken another unexpected turn after an offer to stay at Buckingham Palace was reportedly withdrawn just after he accepted it.
The Duke of Sussex is traveling to London alone this week for Invictus Games-related events after deciding that Meghan Markle and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, would remain in the United States because of ongoing security concerns.
Palace accommodation reportedly withdrawn
According to a statement released by Prince Harry’s spokesperson, the Duke formally accepted King Charles’ offer to stay at a royal residence over the weekend after finalizing alternative private security arrangements.
However, Harry’s team says the offer was later withdrawn.
“It is therefore disappointing that the offer has now been withdrawn,” the spokesperson said, adding that the timing was particularly confusing because Buckingham Palace had already been aware of an upcoming court judgment involving Harry for several days.
Palace sources, however, disputed the sequence of events, saying Harry had been given a deadline to accept the invitation so preparations could be made and that he responded too late.
Security remains the key issue
The latest development highlights the continuing disagreement over Prince Harry’s security while visiting the U.K.
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan have no longer received automatic taxpayer-funded police protection during visits to Britain.
Harry has repeatedly argued that the current security arrangements are not sufficient for his wife and children, which is why Meghan, Archie and Lilibet are not joining him for the London portion of this visit.
His representatives said Harry spent days arranging enhanced private security before confirming his travel plans.
Busy week ahead for the Duke
Harry’s visit centers on events marking the countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games, which will be held in Birmingham.
The trip also coincides with a major legal ruling in his case against the publishers of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, with a judgment expected during his stay.
Despite reports of the accommodation dispute, Harry is expected to continue with his scheduled public appearances throughout the week.
Questions remain about a family reunion
Before the trip, there had been hope that Archie and Lilibet would return to Britain for the first time since 2022.
Harry has previously said he wants his children to know the country where he grew up but believes they can only visit safely if appropriate security is provided.
Whether Meghan and the children will join Harry elsewhere in Britain later during the visit remains unclear.
The latest developments also leave unanswered questions about whether Harry and King Charles will meet in person while the Duke is back in the U.K., as neither side has confirmed any private family plans.
