Palace Rejection, Family's Absence, and Ongoing Legal Battles

Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Prince Harry has consistently expressed worries about the safety of himself and his family while in the United Kingdom. Despite making several trips back to the UK from his new home in America over the past five years, his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, have made significantly fewer visits. This is widely understood to be due to security concerns.

These concerns are believed to be the primary reason behind Harry's legal challenge regarding his reduced UK taxpayer-funded security arrangements. He attended the Court of Appeal in April in an attempt to reinstate his previous security entitlements. During his visit to London for the court hearings, Harry's stay was brief, and he reportedly declined an offer from the King to stay at Buckingham Palace.

This decision might appear contradictory to some, given Harry's repeated assertions about his safety concerns in the UK. Instead of accepting the protection offered by the Palace, he chose to stay in a hotel. Royal expert Robert Hardman noted that the King had offered accommodation at Buckingham Palace, but Harry declined, opting for a hotel stay. This is not the first time Harry has turned down the offer to stay at Buckingham Palace during his UK visits. He often stays in hotels, where he is likely accompanied by his security team.

In addition to hotels, Harry has also reportedly stayed at his uncle Charles Spencer’s Althorp House during his visits to the UK. This location is particularly significant as it is where his late mother, Princess Diana, is buried, providing Harry with the opportunity to visit her grave. The date of Harry's next visit to the UK remains unknown.