Prince Harry has arrived in Britain and remains hopeful of spending time with King Charles during his latest visit, despite a row over accommodation at Buckingham Palace. A source close to preparations for the Invictus Games in Birmingham said Meghan Markle is still determined to travel to the UK later this week, while the couple continue to explore whether Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet can safely join the visit.
Arrival Amid Uncertainty
A spokesman confirmed on Monday that the Duke of Sussex had arrived in Britain after days of uncertainty surrounding his travel plans. The visit was thrown into confusion after Harry was told he could no longer stay at Buckingham Palace. The duke is understood to have been informed on Saturday evening that the accommodation would no longer be available. However, around 36 hours later, his representatives publicly announced that he would be staying at the Palace.
Harry was reportedly told he had taken too long to accept the King's invitation to stay at Buckingham Palace. After the offer was withdrawn, his spokesman accused the Palace of cancelling the accommodation "at the last moment". Despite the disagreement, Harry is still understood to be hoping to see his father during the trip.
Hope for Family Reunion
A source told the Daily Mail the duke remains "keen to see Charles" and is looking forward to spending time with the King if their schedules allow. Meghan is also expected to attend Invictus-related events in Birmingham as preparations continue for the 2027 Games. The source added that the Sussexes are still hoping Archie and Lilibet can join part of the visit, provided suitable security arrangements can be put in place. "They are working on ways that this can happen safely," the insider said.
Harry had originally hoped his wife and children would accompany him throughout the five-day trip. According to the report by the Daily Mail, his visit includes engagements linked to the countdown to the Birmingham 2027 Invictus Games and was also expected to feature a meeting with King Charles, as well as a private visit to Althorp Estate in Northamptonshire, where his mother, Princess Diana, is buried.
Children's Security Concerns
Archie and Lilibet have not seen their grandfather since travelling to Britain for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022. It is understood Harry initially declined the King's offer of accommodation at Buckingham Palace for himself and his family before later changing his mind and asking whether he could stay there alone. By that stage, officials reportedly advised that the necessary hospitality and staffing arrangements were no longer available. Questions have since been raised by those close to the Sussexes over whether the accommodation would have remained available once Harry accepted the invitation.
Private discussions are also understood to have taken place between the King and his younger son. 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. 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."
Palace's Decision Disputed
The spokesman added: "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 decision was taken following discussions with the King and communicated to Harry through the appropriate official channels.
It is understood accommodation at a royal residence will continue to be made available to the duke and his family during future visits to Britain. At the weekend it emerged that Meghan, Archie and Lilibet would no longer accompany Harry to London amid concerns over their security. No final decision has yet been made on whether they will join him for engagements elsewhere in the UK.
Ongoing Security Review
Harry had also hoped to reunite his children with King Charles, who continues to receive treatment for cancer, although it remains unclear whether that meeting will take place. It is also not yet known whether Harry and the King will be able to meet during the visit, although both are understood to be keen. The King has a full programme of official engagements this week while Harry is carrying out five days of appearances in London and Birmingham, including marking one year until the 2027 Invictus Games.
The duke has also been waiting for a review by the Risk Management Board, which forms part of the process through which the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAVEC) determines his security requirements. He was informed on Friday that the review has not yet taken place. The Sussex family are not entitled to taxpayer-funded police protection while visiting Britain, except when staying at royal residences. Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and have since publicly criticised members of the Royal Family through interviews, documentaries and the duke's memoir, Spare.
