Prince Harry won’t stay at Buckingham Palace while visiting London despite previous reports that he would.
The Duke of Sussex accepted an invitation to stay at the royal residence for part of his stay in London this week, his spokesperson said.
However, it is understood that the former royal took up the offer too late, meaning the palace couldn’t make the necessary arrangements for his visit.
The Royal Household said that every effort was made to make Harry’s stay at the palace possible, but that a minimum notice period must be given ro ensure the residence can be staffed properly.
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.
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‘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‘It is therefore disappointing that the offer has now been withdrawn, with Tuesday’s judgment in the Associated Newspapers Limited case cited as the reason.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 It is therefore unclear why, having formally accepted the accommodation offer, it has now been withdrawn at the last moment.’
The 41-year-old is visiting the UK to attend the Invictus Games and other charity engagements.
Meghan Markle and the couple’s children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet will not join Harry for the London portion of visit due to a lack of police security, it is understood.
However, Meghan and the children may accompany Harry on some other sections of the UK visit.
All eyes will be on the prince and his father, King Charles, and whether the pair will meet.
The father and son reunited at Clarence House in September for tea, the first time they had been together since February 2024.
The family has avoided coming to the UK due to concerns over protection after reports that taxpayer-funded protection was denied following a legal battle last year.
The couple, who live in the exclusive California enclave of Montecito, have been vocally protective of their privacy and particularly that of their children, showing only glimpses of them on social media.
Meghan shared a cute snap of Harry hugging the children on Father’s Day last month, with Archie dressed in an England football shirt and Lilibet carrying a plush toy backpack.
The caption said: ‘They are so lucky to have you. We all are.
‘Happy Father’s Day to our one and only.’
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