Dispute Over Prince Harry's UK Visit Accommodation
A fresh controversy has emerged regarding the Duke of Sussex's upcoming trip to the UK, with conflicting statements about his accommodation at Buckingham Palace. While one side claimed that Prince Harry had accepted an invitation to stay at the royal residence, Buckingham Palace promptly denied this, stating he would not be welcomed to stay there during his visit.
The Duke of Sussex is scheduled to visit London and Birmingham for several charity events, including promoting the Invictus Games. The lead-up to this trip has been overshadowed by a dispute with the UK government concerning security arrangements. A spokesperson for the prince announced on Sunday that the Duchess of Sussex and their children would not accompany him to London but might join him later during the Birmingham visit.
Conflicting Reports on Accommodation Offer
At approximately 9 a.m. on Monday, the BBC reported that Prince Harry's spokesperson had confirmed the duke had accepted an invitation to stay at Buckingham Palace during his trip. However, within about 15 minutes, the broadcaster updated its report to reflect Buckingham Palace's denial of this claim.
A spokesperson for Prince Harry stated that the offer from the king had been
"withdrawn at the last moment", citing the impending judgment in the duke's legal case against Associated Newspapers, expected on Tuesday, as the reason. The spokesperson described the announcement as
"disappointing".
The Press Association (PA) reported that the duke initially declined the accommodation offer on behalf of himself, his wife, and children on Saturday. Later that day, he reversed his decision and requested to stay at Buckingham Palace himself.
According to PA, the necessary hospitality and staffing provisions were no longer available. Buckingham Palace also considered that the ongoing legal case complicated the situation and could potentially affect the king's constitutional position.
The palace emphasized that, although efforts were made to facilitate the duke's stay, a minimum notice period is required to ensure appropriate hosting at a royal residence, as a courtesy to staff and others involved.
Legal Case and Security Arrangements
Prince Harry, along with other notable individuals, is awaiting the outcome of high court cases against the Daily Mail's publisher. The written ruling by Mr Justice Nicklin is expected on Tuesday.
A spokesperson for the duke commented:
"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."
"After a 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."
"It is, therefore, disappointing that the offer has now been withdrawn, with Tuesday’s judgment in the Associated Newspapers Ltd 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."
