Prince Harry has been dealt a fresh blow as an offer from King Charles to stay at a royal residence during his UK visit was withdrawn at the last moment. The Duke of Sussex's accommodation arrangements have fallen into chaos, with a spokesman for Harry describing the move as 'disappointing'.
Accommodation Offer Withdrawn
A spokesman for Harry said the offer was withdrawn with Tuesday's judgment in the Associated Newspapers Limited case cited as the reason. Harry awaits a ruling on his High Court case against the Daily Mail's publisher, expected on July 7. The spokesman noted that Buckingham Palace had been aware of that judgment since last Thursday, making the last-minute withdrawal unclear.
It is understood Harry initially turned down the offer on Saturday, July 4, for himself and his family, who are no longer joining him in London. However, he later made a U-turn and asked to stay himself. Buckingham Palace believes Harry's privacy lawsuit could compromise the King's constitutional position and further complicate their relationship.
Privacy Lawsuit Background
Mr Justice Nicklin is expected to rule on whether Harry and fellow claimants have won their High Court cases against the Daily Mail's publisher. The lawsuit alleges the publisher used 'unlawful methods' to obtain information, violating their privacy. Harry is one of multiple high-profile claimants in the case.
A spokesman for the duke said: 'I am aware of multiple briefings from Buckingham Palace last week suggesting that the Duke had not accepted the offer of accommodation at a Royal Residence. Following RAVEC’s decision not to provide security for his family, the duke spent last week making alternative security arrangements. Once those arrangements were in place, he was able to formally accept the offer of accommodation for himself over the weekend. It is therefore disappointing that the offer has now been withdrawn, with Tuesday’s judgment in the Associated Newspapers Limited case cited as the reason. Buckingham Palace has, however, been aware of that judgment since last Thursday. It is therefore unclear why, having formally accepted the accommodation offer, it has now been withdrawn at the last moment.'
Family Visit Plans
At the weekend, it was announced that Meghan, Prince Archie, and Princess Lilibet would no longer join Harry in London amid concerns over their security. No decision has been made on whether the family will join him for other parts of the UK visit outside the capital. Reports suggest Harry wanted to take them to see the final resting place of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, at Althorp in Northamptonshire.
Harry had also hoped to reunite his children with their grandfather, King Charles, who is still undergoing treatment for cancer, for the first time in four years. It is not clear whether this will go ahead, nor when or whether Harry will see his father during the trip.
The Palace decision was made in consultation with the King, with the outcome communicated to Harry through appropriate channels. Accommodation at a royal residence will be made available for future visits, according to the Palace.
