According to Buckingham Palace sources, Prince Harry was initially offered accommodation at a royal residence, but his team did not formally confirm acceptance before the deadline at the end of last week.
Palace officials said the Duke was informed on Saturday evening that the accommodation could no longer be provided because sufficient notice is required to prepare a royal residence and arrange staffing by the Royal Household.
The Palace maintains that Harry’s team first declined the invitation before later attempting to accept it on the same day, by which time the arrangements could no longer be made.
Officials also suggested there were concerns about hosting the Duke while a court ruling relating to his legal dispute with Associated Newspapers was due to be published, citing the need to protect the King’s constitutional neutrality.
Sussex Team Disputes Palace Account
Prince Harry’s spokesperson rejected the Palace’s explanation, saying the Duke had accepted the invitation and that the accommodation offer was later withdrawn.
The spokesperson described the development as disappointing and questioned why the offer would be rescinded after it had already been accepted.
The Sussex camp also dismissed suggestions that the timing of the court ruling influenced the decision, arguing that the legal schedule had already been publicly known.
The conflicting narratives underscore the strained relationship and ongoing communication breakdown between Buckingham Palace and Prince Harry’s representatives.
Questions Over Possible Meeting With King Charles
The disagreement has also cast uncertainty over whether Prince Harry will meet with King Charles III during the visit.
While expectations had grown that father and son could meet this week, the latest dispute may complicate any plans for private discussions.
It also remains unclear whether the King will have an opportunity to see Prince Harry’s children, Archie and Lilibet, whom he has reportedly not met in person for several years.
Visit Focuses on Invictus Games
Despite the accommodation controversy, Prince Harry is expected to proceed with his scheduled appearances.
The Duke is visiting Britain primarily to support preparations for the upcoming Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, which will be hosted in Birmingham next year.
His itinerary is expected to include visits to children’s charities as well as the National Exhibition Centre, the venue that will host the games for wounded, injured and sick military personnel.
Reports have also suggested he may later visit Althorp House, the ancestral home of his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.
Meghan and Children Not Joining London Visit
The Duke will travel without his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and their children, Archie and Lilibet.
The decision follows the long-running dispute over security arrangements in the UK after Prince Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020.
Prince Harry has repeatedly argued that the current security provisions are inadequate for his family and has previously stated that he would not bring them to the UK unless those concerns were addressed.
Although Meghan and the children are not expected to be in London, reports suggest they could join Prince Harry later in Birmingham during activities connected to the Invictus Games.
