Buckingham Palace has told the Duke of Sussex that he cannot stay at the royal residence during his visit to the UK this week, after a disagreement over the timing of his request. The decision, taken in consultation with the King, means Prince Harry will have to make alternative arrangements for his overnight stay in London.
The Duke arrived in the UK on Monday for a series of charity engagements, including promoting the Invictus Games and a visit to Birmingham. His wife, the Duchess of Sussex, and their children are not accompanying him on this trip, though they may join him later in the West Midlands.
It is understood that Harry was initially offered accommodation at the palace, but turned it down on Saturday. He later changed his mind and asked if he could stay alone for one night. Palace officials said it was too late to arrange the necessary staffing, despite efforts to facilitate the visit.
A spokesperson for the Duke said it was disappointing that the offer had been withdrawn, particularly as palace officials had been aware of an impending High Court judgment since Thursday. The case involves Harry and others suing the publisher of the Daily Mail over alleged unlawful information-gathering, including phone hacking and blagging.
The palace has said the decision was made to give staff adequate notice, and that accommodation would be available to the Duke and his family in the future. It remains unclear whether Harry will see his father during the trip, or whether his family will join him for other parts of the visit.
