Buckingham Palace withdrew its offer for Prince Harry to stay at a royal residence just hours before his five-day visit to London was set to begin on Monday. The decision, made in consultation with King Charles, has left Harry's team disappointed and scrambling for alternative arrangements.
Timing and Security Concerns
Harry was informed on Saturday that the lodging would not be available, despite his team announcing the accommodation as a done deal last week. According to BBC reports, the King had requested an answer by Friday, but Harry delayed due to ongoing security issues. The Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAVEC) had denied taxpayer-funded security for Harry, his wife Meghan, and their children Archie and Lilibet during the visit.
A spokesman for Harry stated, '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. 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.'
Legal Case and Family Visit
Harry's visit includes charity engagements related to the one-year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games. Additionally, on Tuesday, he and others—including Elizabeth Hurley and Elton John—expect a judgment in their case against the publishers of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday. Sources indicated that King Charles could not appear compromised during the ongoing legal battle. Harry's spokesman expressed disappointment, noting that the Palace was aware of the upcoming judgment since last week and that the offer was withdrawn 'at the last moment.'
Harry had initially declined the invitation before accepting it later on Saturday. The Palace requires a minimum notice period to host guests and provide Royal Household staff. It remains unclear where Harry will stay during his London visit.
Ongoing Security Disputes
Harry had hoped to bring Meghan and their children, but security concerns have been a persistent issue since they stepped back from royal duties in 2020. When Buckingham Palace was offered, Harry's team learned that police protection would not extend beyond the property, forcing them to pivot. Harry has made multiple trips to the U.K. for charity and court cases, last meeting his father in September 2025. Meghan has only returned once—in 2022 for Queen Elizabeth's funeral—and Archie was last in the U.K. in 2022, while Lilibet has never visited. The BBC reported that they might join Harry later in the week when the trip moves to Birmingham for Invictus Games promotions.
