Buckingham Palace Withdraws Prince Harry's Stay Invitation After Delayed Response

Prince Harry is set to arrive in the UK tomorrow to mark the one-year countdown to the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027. The royal family had prepared for his visit, which he initially planned to attend with his wife Meghan Markle and their two children, Archie and Lilibet. Despite strained relations, King Charles III invited Harry and his family to stay at Buckingham Palace during the visit. However, the palace retracted the invitation on Saturday after Harry did not respond in time.

Today, reports emerged that Harry's team informed the palace they intended to accept the invitation and stay at Buckingham Palace, but this came too late. A spokesperson for Harry expressed disappointment, stating that despite the earlier invitation, the prince understood the stay offer had been "withdrawn." The palace maintains that Harry was invited to stay but that no confirmation came from his team, which initially declined the offer before later accepting it too late for necessary arrangements.

Concerns at the palace also related to an upcoming court ruling in Harry's lawsuit against Associated Newspapers, expected on Tuesday. The palace worried about the optics for King Charles, who must remain neutral, if Harry responded controversially while staying at Buckingham Palace. Harry's representatives countered that the palace abruptly canceled the invitation after it was officially accepted, questioning why the palace could not accommodate one guest for a single night.

Earlier this week, it was revealed Harry would travel alone without Meghan and their children, despite King Charles's hopes to see them, as he has not met them since 2022. A source close to Harry said he deeply wants his children to experience their English heritage and visit Althorp, Princess Diana's childhood home and burial site, but prioritizes their security due to credible threats. Reports also suggest Meghan may join Harry later for the Birmingham event on Friday.

Meanwhile, Prince William has refrained from commenting on Harry's visit, though insiders say his wife, Princess Kate Middleton, is encouraging him to meet Harry, Meghan, and the children. Kate reportedly wants to meet Archie and Lilibet, having had few opportunities to do so, and hopes William will agree, though she will respect his decision if he declines.