Prince Harry's upcoming visit to the UK for the Invictus Games has stirred up renewed controversy amid reports that King Charles has prohibited Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from lodging at any Royal Estates.
This development has reignited speculation about a deepening rift within the royal family and raises questions about the future of Harry's relationship with the monarchy. Notably, Prince Harry was purportedly disheartened after being instructed to vacate Frogmore Cottage in the UK.
Confirming his status as a US resident, Harry solidified his ties to America after the royal family reclaimed Frogmore Cottage upon his relocation to California. His announcement of US residency, coinciding with his departure from Frogmore Cottage, marked a pivotal moment. According to the Daily Mail, Harry and Meghan officially embraced California as their home on June 29th, 2023, coinciding with the termination of their lease at Frogmore.
This move, perceived by Harry as spiteful, was interpreted by relationship expert Luella Alderson as a significant step towards distancing himself from the royal family and his British heritage. By establishing permanent residency in the US after four years, Harry signals a definitive separation from his royal obligations, signaling to his family his reluctance to return to the UK anytime soon, if ever.
Despite rumors of a potential return to the UK, Harry's actions suggest a firm commitment to residing in America and forging a new path for himself and his family. This formal acknowledgment underscores Prince Harry's growing detachment from Britain since stepping back from royal duties to explore commercial ventures in the US. Since then, Harry has openly criticized the royal family, including in a Netflix series and his autobiography, which detailed claims of unconscious racism.
While the specific reasons for denying Harry and Meghan access to royal residences remain undisclosed, various factors may be at play. Security concerns likely play a significant role, as Harry and Meghan no longer receive full-time royal protection after stepping down from senior roles. This complicates security logistics within palace settings. Additionally, King Charles' decision may serve as a subtle message, reinforcing Harry and Meghan's reduced status within the royal family by limiting their access to royal properties.
Meanwhile, King Charles has been advised against extending an invitation to Harry and his family to Balmoral Castle in Scotland this summer. A recent Express poll revealed that the majority of Britons oppose such an invitation, with 89% of 9,491 respondents advising against it.
