Prince Harry is expected to arrive in the UK later today for a five-day visit, but the trip has been plagued by obstacles, including a security row and the last-minute revocation of an offer to stay at Buckingham Palace.
Royal Accommodation Revoked
Initially, King Charles offered Harry a stay at Buckingham Palace. However, after Harry formally accepted the offer over the weekend, the Palace withdrew it on Tuesday morning, citing the upcoming High Court judgment in Harry's case against Associated Newspapers Limited. A Palace statement at 9:18 am said the accommodation was no longer available. Harry's spokesman expressed disappointment, noting that the Palace had been aware of the judgment since last Thursday and questioning the timing of the revocation.
Buckingham Palace has 240 bedrooms, with 52 reserved for royals and guests. A royal source said the residence requires a minimum notice period to host guests appropriately. The Palace later said Harry was informed of the change on Saturday evening. Harry will now stay in private accommodation at an undisclosed location.
Security Denied
Harry's request for police protection during the trip, funded by taxpayers, was denied. He is also awaiting a review by the Risk Management Board, part of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAVEC). A source close to Harry said he is devastated and frustrated by the delay, blaming "dark forces" for preventing his family from coming.
Family Not Joining
Due to the lack of security, Meghan Markle and their children, Archie and Lilibet, will not join Harry in London. It remains unclear if they will join him elsewhere in the UK, possibly at Earl Spencer's Althorp home in Northamptonshire.
Meeting the King in Doubt
Harry had hoped to introduce his children to King Charles, but with the family's absence and the King's busy schedule, a meeting is uncertain. A royal source said the King has "no plans" to alter his diary for a last-minute meeting. Another insider described the situation as "immensely difficult" and "incredibly tiresome." Harry may meet the King at Highgrove or Sandringham on Saturday, but no request has been made.
