Prince Harry arrived in the UK on Monday after accommodation plans for his trip descended into chaos. The Duke of Sussex made a U-turn and requested to stay for just one night at Buckingham Palace, only to be told he had accepted the King’s offer too late. He was also informed that his presence could compromise his father’s constitutional position, with judgment due in the duke’s High Court case against Associated Newspapers on Tuesday.
Public Opinion Sways in Harry's Favour
A new YouGov poll asked Brits whether the duke should have been allowed to stay at Buckingham Palace. Out of 6,323 British adults surveyed on Monday, June 6, nearly half (48%) said Harry should be allowed to stay. Only 27% said he should not, while 25% were unsure.
According to the poll, older Britons are slightly more likely to oppose the stay, although a plurality still support it. The results suggest significant public sympathy for Harry despite ongoing tensions with the royal family.
Disappointment Over Withdrawn Offer
The duke’s spokesman described it as “disappointing” that the King’s offer had been “withdrawn at the last moment,” with the legal fight cited as the reason. Questions have been raised on the Sussex side as to whether the offer of a bed at a royal residence was ever intended to be available once Harry had accepted it.
However, it is understood that royal accommodation will be made available to Harry and his family for future visits. The duke is believed to have arrived in London alone, without the Duchess of Sussex and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, after they pulled out due to security concerns.
