Prince Harry reportedly declined King Charles's offer to stay at a royal residence during his recent visit to the UK.
Concerns over security arrangements and a lack of privacy, due to the property’s insufficient police protection and open entry and exit points, were cited as reasons for his decision. Instead of accepting the invitation, Harry opted to stay at a hotel, thereby missing an opportunity to reunite with his father, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment.
His team quickly issued a statement suggesting that his father was too busy to meet him. However, former BBC Royal correspondent Jenny Bond, speaking to OK! Magazine, dismissed Harry's explanation as implausible. She argued that royal residences are heavily guarded with multiple discreet entry and exit points, making Harry's safety concerns seem exaggerated. Bond suggested that Harry might be portraying himself as a victim again, given that he was offered the chance to stay at a royal residence.
Sources indicated that Harry could have stayed at St. James's Palace, located just minutes from where King Charles is based. Despite requesting to stay in a royal residence, Harry chose a hotel in Mayfair, foregoing the security provided by the central London compound. On The Daily Mail’s Palace Confidential podcast, palace expert Richard Eden criticized Harry's decision. Eden pointed out that Hollywood stars Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones have a flat at St. James's Palace, implying that if it’s suitable for them, it should be suitable for Harry. He speculated that Douglas might find Harry's choice amusing, reflecting the complexity of royal engagements and personal preferences within elite circles.
Rebecca English, the Daily Mail's royal editor, noted that other royals, such as Princess Beatrice and Princess Anne, have lived or worked at St. James's Palace without any reported security issues. Charlotte Griffiths, editor-at-large for the Mail on Sunday, described Harry's actions as petulant and paranoid, suggesting he needs to move past these concerns.
Royal broadcaster Helen Achard, speaking to Fox News Digital, emphasized that Harry turned down the opportunity to stay at a palace with armed security protection from the SO14 Royalty Protection Group. Instead, he chose a hotel in Mayfair, lacking such protection. Achard expressed concern about Harry's behavior, hinting at deeper issues possibly related to his late mother. She acknowledged that his actions help maintain a victim narrative, which he might find useful at this time.
