Prince Harry said Buckingham Palace withdrew an offer for him to stay at the royal residence during a planned visit to the United Kingdom [1].
The dispute highlights the ongoing tension between the Duke of Sussex and the British monarchy, specifically regarding security and hospitality for the couple and their two children [2].
A spokesperson for Prince Harry said the offer to stay at Buckingham Palace was withdrawn at the last moment [1]. However, a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said the institution has not withdrawn any offer of accommodation [1].
These disagreements over lodging coincide with a change in travel plans for Meghan Markle. Reports indicate she pulled out of the trip after a request for police protection was rejected [1]. A royal security official said the state is not providing additional police protection for the visit [1].
The planned visit was scheduled for July 2024 [3]. The conflict over security has become a central point of contention for the couple since they stepped back from royal duties, as they have frequently cited safety concerns as a primary reason for their residence in the U.S.
While the palace denies pulling the lodging offer, the disagreement over security remains a point of agreement between both parties. The refusal to provide extra police protection has effectively prevented the Duchess of Sussex from joining her husband on the trip [1].
“"The offer to stay at Buckingham Palace was withdrawn at the last moment."”
The conflicting accounts of the lodging offer and the denial of security for Meghan Markle underscore a deep systemic rift between the Sussexes and the royal household. By refusing additional police protection, the palace is adhering to a strict security protocol that distinguishes between working royals and non-working members, further isolating Harry and Meghan from the institutional support of the monarchy.
