Prince Harry has suffered a "huge slap in the face" after King Charles withdrew an offer for him to stay at Buckingham Palace during his current visit to the UK, according to royal author Tom Bower. The 41-year-old Duke of Sussex arrived in Britain earlier this week without his wife Meghan Markle or their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Security Concerns Lead to Solo Trip
Harry had initially planned to travel with his family, but his request for police protection while in the UK was denied. As a result, he made the journey alone. The King had extended an invitation for Harry to stay at Buckingham Palace, but the offer was later withdrawn after Harry's response came too late to make the necessary arrangements.
Royal Author Calls Decision 'Right'
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Express, Tom Bower said: "I think the King offered him Buckingham Palace. And then withdrawing the offer was a huge slap in the face for Harry." Bower added that the King made the "right decision" because if Harry had accepted and stayed at the palace, it would have "tarnished the monarchy even more." He emphasised the importance of distancing the royal family from Harry, whom he described as "poison for the monarchy."
Bower continued: "I think all the damage he and Meghan have done over the last five years has been more damage, and the monarchy's popularity has fallen. It needs to rebuild its popularity and rebuild its respect for people. And Harry's presence in Britain just undermines that effort."
Invictus Games Engagements Planned
Despite the controversy, Harry's visit to the UK is focused on his commitments to the Invictus Games. He is scheduled to attend a series of engagements, including the one-year countdown event for the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham on Friday, July 10. A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex told PEOPLE that Harry was "really happy to be back in the UK and really looking forward to the week's engagements."
