Prince Harry accepted offer to stay at Buckingham Palace but royals say it’s too late

Prince Harry won’t stay at Buckingham Palace while visiting London despite previous reports that he would.

The Duke of Sussex accepted an invitation to stay at the royal residence for part of his stay in London this week, his spokesperson said.

However, it is understood that the former royal took up the offer too late, meaning the palace couldn’t make the necessary arrangements for his visit.

The Royal Household said that every effort was made to make Harry’s stay at the palace possible, but that a minimum notice period must be given ro ensure the residence can be staffed properly.

The 41-year-old is visiting the UK to attend the Invictus Games and other charity engagements.

Meghan Markle and the couple’s children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet will not join Harry for the London visit due to a lack of police security, it is understood.

It has not been confirmed yet whether Meghan and the children will join Harry on some sections of the UK visit.

All eyes will be on Harry and his father, King Charles, and whether the pair will meet.

The father and son met at Clarence House in September for tea, the first time they got together since February 2024.

Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, have not seen their granddad for four years.

A source said: ‘The hope is they can meet their grandfather.

‘But there is no way that can happen if they are chased by paparazzi wherever they go from the moment they step off the plane.’

The family have not come to the UK due to concern over protection after reports that taxpayer-funded protection was denied following a legal battle last year.

The couple, who live in the exclusive California enclave of Montecito, have been protective over the privacy of their children, showing only glimpses of them on social media.

Meghan shared a cute snap of Harry hugging the children on Father’s Day last month, with Archie dressed in an England football shirt and Lilibet carrying a plush toy backpack.

The caption said: ‘They are so lucky to have you.

‘We all are.

‘Happy Father’s Day to our one and only.’

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