Prince Harry will not stay at Buckingham Palace during his upcoming visit to London for the Invictus Games, royal commentator Afua Hagan has revealed. The Duke of Sussex is expected to travel to the UK later this month for the sporting event he founded for wounded veterans, but he will reportedly avoid the royal residence due to ongoing security concerns and strained family relations.
Security and Family Tensions
According to Hagan, Prince Harry's decision stems from his ongoing legal battle over security arrangements in the UK. After stepping down as a senior royal in 2020, he lost the right to automatic police protection. His request for private security funding has been denied, leading to a High Court challenge. "He feels unsafe without adequate protection and does not want to put the palace in an awkward position," Hagan said.
The commentator also noted that Harry is unlikely to visit his father, King Charles III, or brother, Prince William, during the trip. "The rift remains deep," she added. "A meeting at Buckingham Palace would require careful negotiation, which neither side seems ready for."
Invictus Games Focus
Harry's primary purpose in London is to attend the Invictus Games, which will take place from July 15 to 23. The event, which he launched in 2014, brings together wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women from around the world. He is expected to participate in opening ceremonies and meet with athletes.
A spokesperson for Prince Harry declined to comment on his accommodation plans but confirmed his attendance. The Invictus Games Foundation stated that Harry's involvement "remains a cornerstone of the event."
Broader Context
This visit marks Harry's first to the UK since the coronation of King Charles III in May 2023, which he attended without his wife, Meghan Markle. The couple now resides in California with their two children. Harry's security case is ongoing, with a ruling expected later this year.
