Prince Harry's chaotic return to the UK could jeopardise his relationship with his father, King Charles, a royal expert has claimed. The Duke of Sussex came back to Britain with a loud bang after a heated stand-off with Buckingham Palace regarding his accommodation plans.
Accommodation Dispute Sparks Tensions
King Charles's son initially declined an invitation to stay at a royal residence on Saturday but then made a U-turn and requested to stay for just one night at Buckingham Palace, only to be told he had accepted the King's offer too late. He was also told his presence could compromise his father's constitutional position, with judgment due in the duke's High Court case against Associated Newspapers.
Royal expert Duncan Larcombe told the Mirror: “Harry's team seem pretty set on the fact that he was lined up to go to Buckingham Palace, so it's a c**k-up and it's not going to help his relationship with his father because these are delicate issues for a King.”
Legal Case Complicates Visit
Mr Larcombe added that the latest updates only add to the drama surrounding Harry's visit and said that there are “plenty of places” he could stay, noting that royal residences need notice. Harry's spokesperson said it was “disappointing” that the offer from Charles had been “withdrawn at the last moment”, with the legal fight given as the reason.
As exasperation appeared to grow in both camps, it is understood that the duke, on Saturday, initially turned down the offer for himself and his family to stay at the palace, before switching later in the day and asking to spend the night there himself. The appropriate hospitality and staffing provision was said to be no longer available, with Buckingham Palace also believing the longstanding legal case had complicated the matter, and could compromise the King's constitutional position.
Future Visits and Family Reunion Uncertain
It is understood that royal accommodation will be made available to Harry and his family for future visits. While there has been no confirmation about a meeting between the monarch and his son, nor his grandchildren, it is understood that Harry wished for such an encounter to take place. The duke is believed to have arrived in London alone, without the Duchess of Sussex and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, after they pulled out of a visit to the capital due to security concerns.
Harry is hoping to reunite Archie, seven, and five-year-old Lili with their grandfather but it is not clear whether this will go ahead. Mr Larcombe added: “Harry is keen on introducing his kids, now they are not babies anymore. I think there's still a chance Harry, Meghan and the kids will come over later in the week because they are already holidaying in Europe. There's still a chance he will be able to introduce the kids to his dad, but this latest twist for what should be a simple visit has become a headache.”
