Buckingham Palace reportedly welcomed Prince Harry to stay at the residence during his visit to the UK — then snatched back their offer approximately 15 minutes later.
What appeared to be a brief peace offering amid ongoing, highly publicized family tensions was short-lived, The Guardian reported. The Duke of Sussex was reportedly planning a brief stay at Buckingham Palace when he was abruptly informed he was no longer welcome. According to the outlet, apparent issues over security arrangements caused issues with securing his stay.
TOPSHOT – Britain’s King Charles III and Britain’s Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex walk behind the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, adorned with a Royal Standard and the Imperial State Crown and pulled by a Gun Carriage of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, during a procession from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster, in London on September 14, 2022. Queen Elizabeth II will lie in state in Westminster Hall inside the Palace of Westminster, from Wednesday until a few hours before her funeral on Monday, with huge queues expected to file past her coffin to pay their respects. (Photo by LOIC VENANCE / AFP via Getty Images)
King Charles reportedly consulted with his son privately before the withdrawal of his invitation was publicized. Harry appeared to be set to stay Buckingham Palace for one night during his solo visit to London.
Harry’s wife, Meghan Markle, and their children were initially offered accommodation at the palace, but reportedly turned down the opportunity on Saturday, according to Britain’s PA Media. That’s where things seemingly became complicated. After declining the offer for an overnight stay with his family, Harry reportedly asked if he could stay there alone. Harry’s team alleged details surrounding his security arrangements were being worked out but took some time to confirm, which resulted in Harry’s delayed acceptance, according to The Guardian.
BOGOTA, COLOMBIA – AUGUST 15: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex seen during The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Colombia Visit on August 15, 2024 in Bogota, Colombia. (Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation via Getty Images)
Buckingham Palace officials reportedly felt it was too late to arrange staffing when all was said and done, according to The Guardian.
The palace claimed that all efforts were made to facilitate Harry’s stay but the minimum level of notice was not met in time. They extended their offer to Harry and his family for future use, the outlet reported.
Harry’s team suggested the invitation may have been withdrawn in light of the pending high court ruling in his legal battle against Associated Newspapers Limited, according to The Guardian. (RELATED: Prince Harry Booed After Attempt To Diss Donald Trump On ‘Late Show’)
ECEABAT, TURKEY – APRIL 25: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Prince Harry attend the New Zealand Memorial Service marking the centenary of the World War One Gallipoli campaign at Chunuk Bair held on April 25, 2015 in Eceabat, Turkey. Turkish and Allied powers representatives, as well as family members of those who served, are commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign with ceremonies at memorials across the Gallipoli Peninsula. The Gallipoli land campaign, in which a combined Allied force of British, French, Australian, New Zealand and Indian troops sought to occupy the Gallipoli Peninsula and the strategic Dardanelles Strait during World War I, began on April 25, 1915 against Turkish forces of the Ottoman Empire. The Allies, unable to advance more than a few kilometers, withdrew after eight months. The campaign cost the Allies approximately 50,000 killed and up to 200,000 wounded, the Ottomans approximately 85,000 killed and 160,000 wounded. (Photo by Paul Edwards – Pool /Getty Images)
Harry’s spokesperson issued a statement saying it was “disappointing that the offer has now been withdrawn.” The spokesperson said officials involved had “been aware of [it] since last Thursday.”
It’s unclear if Harry will see his father at all during his visit to London.
The Daily Caller reached out to Buckingham Palace for comment.