In brief
Harry's team initially said he accepted a stay at Buckingham Palace, but palace sources later said the offer was rescinded because he did not respond by the end of last week.
Harry travels without Meghan and their children due to the lack of publicly funded police protection, a long-running issue since he stepped back from royal duties.
The trip aims to promote the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham, with visits to a children's hospital and the National Exhibition Centre, plus charity events.
It remains uncertain whether a meeting between the King and Archie and Lilibet will occur during this visit.
- End of last weekDeadline for Harry to respond to the palace invitation passes without a formal reply.
- WeekendHarry is informed that the invitation to stay at a royal residence is no longer valid.
- Monday morningHarry's spokesperson announces he had accepted the invitation to stay at Buckingham Palace.
- Monday laterPalace sources deny the stay, saying the offer was withdrawn due to the missed deadline.
Invitation confusion
Prince Harry's visit to London was marked by conflicting statements over his accommodation. On Monday morning, a spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex said he had accepted an invitation from King Charles to stay at Buckingham Palace. Hours later, palace sources denied that any such stay would take place. They said Harry had not formally responded to the offer by the deadline at the end of last week and was informed over the weekend that the invitation was no longer valid.
“The offer of accommodation at the palace had been withdrawn.”
The spokesperson described the development as disappointing. Palace sources explained that a minimum notice period is required to arrange staffing and security for a royal residence guest.
Security dispute keeps family away
Harry is travelling without his wife Meghan Markle and their children Archie and Lilibet. The family does not have publicly funded police protection during UK visits, a consequence of Harry stepping back from royal duties in 2020 and moving to the United States. He has challenged the decision in court without success. In a 2025 BBC interview, Harry said he could not bring his family back without improved security.
“I cannot imagine a world in which I would bring my wife and children back to the UK at this moment.”
It remains possible that Meghan and the children will join Harry later in the week in Birmingham for Invictus Games promotion.
Invictus Games and charity events
The trip is centred on preparations for the Invictus Games, scheduled to take place in Birmingham next year. Harry will visit the city's children's hospital and the National Exhibition Centre, the future games venue. He is also expected to attend a series of charity events. Reports mentioned a possible visit to Althorp in Northampton, the Spencer family estate and site of Princess Diana's private grave, though those plans were tied to bringing his family.
Royal family rift
King Charles has not seen his grandchildren, aged seven and five, for four years. It is unclear whether a meeting will take place during this visit, given the revised schedule. Harry last saw his father during a solo trip last September. The last time Harry and Meghan were together in the UK was for Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in 2022.