Prince Harry has faced a brutal blow from members of the public after a poll found that many people do not want him to stay at Buckingham Palace on his next UK visit. The Duke of Sussex, who was in Britain earlier this month, is set to return to his home country in September. This is a visit he tends to make every year so he can attend the Wellchild Award.
While Harry, who quit royal life six years ago, normally stays in hotels, with friends, or with his Spencer relatives, it has been reported that King Charles will offer his son a room at Buckingham Palace. This offer comes after Harry was previously offered accommodation there this month for his UK stay.
Poll reveals public opinion
The Palace stay this month didn’t go ahead, as the offer was withdrawn after Harry accepted the invitation at too short notice. This meant the duke had to find somewhere else to stay. While it may not have worked out on his latest UK visit, it is believed it could work out in September if the duke accepts the invitation soon.
Although this marks a positive step in Harry and the King’s relationship, a poll launched by The Daily Express has found that many people do not think the monarch should let Harry stay at the Palace. The poll, which ran from 9.40am on Monday (July 27) until 1pm on Tuesday (July 28), saw 5006 people vote no when asked “should King Charles let Prince Harry stay at Buckingham Palace?”. A total of 394 people voted “yes” and 52 said they don’t know.
Uncertain details of September visit
It is not known whether Harry has yet accepted an invitation to stay or not. It is also not known whether he will bring his wife Meghan Markle and their children Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, with them. Harry was joined by his family on his last UK visit, however they flew in towards the end of his trip and made no public appearances.
This is believed to be because of security concerns, with the family having changed their plans to fly into Britain earlier after Harry found out they would not get armed police protection. This meant he spent almost five days solo in the UK before being joined by his wife and children.
Reader reactions
Taking to the comments section of the article, one reader wrote: "Absolutely, that way he can not complain about his safety. Also, he can be observed to see his behaviour towards staff while being waited on." Another added: "I can see both sides of this. I think by having a specific place to stay, he may bring the grandchildren again. Also, it allows the King to control what is brought in - no Netflix crews. There are rules to the area that even Henry grew up knowing you don't cross." A final said: "At the end of the day, Harry is King Charles's son. That is the reason the offer has been made - and although I agree that Harry and Meghan have treated the Royal Family abysmally in the past, I would still like to see father and son reach some sort of truce."
