Prince Harry has returned to the UK with familiar tension waiting for him, but the latest dispute around Buckingham Palace hasn’t ended hopes of a meeting with King Charles.
The Duke of Sussex arrived in Britain for a week of engagements linked to the countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham, with a possible visit to his father expected to be one of the most closely watched parts of the trip.
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The timing is delicate, with Charles continuing cancer treatment and Harry’s relationship with the royal family still strained after years of public criticism and legal battles.
The visit was thrown into fresh uncertainty after an offer for Harry to stay at Buckingham Palace was withdrawn shortly before his arrival.
Palace sources have suggested the duke didn’t accept the accommodation offer in time, while Harry’s team has pushed back strongly and blamed unresolved security arrangements.
Despite the disagreement, one source close to the Invictus Games insisted Harry remains eager to see his father.
“Harry is still keen to see Charles, which he is looking forward to,” the insider told the Daily Mail.
Palace stay row complicates Harry’s return
The accommodation dispute has become the latest flashpoint between the Sussexes and the Palace.
Harry had reportedly been offered a night at a royal residence, but that offer was later withdrawn after what royal sources described as delays in accepting it.
A spokesman for Harry rejected that version and said security issues affected the timing of the decision.
“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,” the spokesman said.
“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.”
The spokesman called the withdrawal “disappointing,” arguing that the Palace had already been aware of the relevant legal timetable.
“It is therefore unclear why, having formally accepted the accommodation offer, it has now been withdrawn at the last moment,” the spokesman said.
Meghan and children remain part of bigger question
The row has also raised questions about whether Meghan Markle, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet will travel to Britain during the wider visit.
The Sussex children have not seen King Charles in the UK since Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022.
A source close to the Invictus camp said the family still hopes a visit can happen if safety concerns are resolved.
“They are working on ways that this can happen safely,” the insider said.
Meghan is still expected at Invictus events in Birmingham, though no final decision has been confirmed on whether the children will join.
Harry is also expected to visit Althorp Estate, where his mother, Princess Diana, is buried.
The latest Palace dispute has again exposed how fragile relations remain. Yet the possibility of a father-son meeting hasn’t disappeared.
Harry is in Britain, Charles is said to be open to seeing him, and even a brief reunion would carry significance after years of distance.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.marca.com ’
