The ongoing drama surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shows no signs of waning, and now the saga has reached the gates of Althorp, the ancestral estate of the Spencer family.
Recent reports indicate that Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp, has firmly stated that his cousin, Prince Harry, is not welcome to reside at the estate. Despite Harry’s apparent efforts to mend fences with the Spencer side of his family, tensions remain high between him and the British royal family. This has led Harry to seek refuge with his maternal relatives, though it has not been without difficulty.
During a recent trip to the UK for the memorial service of his uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes, husband of Lady Jane Spencer (Princess Diana’s older sister), Harry stayed at Althorp. What initially appeared to be a simple family visit has sparked speculation, with insiders suggesting that Harry may have become a bit too comfortable during his stay. Was he merely visiting, or was he laying the groundwork to make Althorp a potential retreat, especially after he and Meghan were asked to vacate Frogmore Cottage earlier this year?
Speculation from Newsweek’s podcast hints that Harry might view Althorp as a sanctuary away from the intense scrutiny of the British monarchy. Althorp holds immense personal significance for him, as it was the childhood home of his mother, Princess Diana, and the site of her burial. For Harry, the estate represents a place of solace, far from the pressures of royal life. However, despite the emotional ties, it seems Viscount Althorp is not inclined to allow his cousin to settle at the estate permanently.
Louis Spencer, heir to Althorp, understands the weight and importance of his family’s legacy and is fiercely protective of it. Allowing Harry and Meghan to use the estate as their base of operations would likely draw a flood of media attention and unwanted scrutiny. Louis, who has largely remained out of the public eye, may not want to invite such a spotlight. The notion of Harry using Althorp as a way to stay relevant in the media might be more than Louis is willing to tolerate.
While Harry’s connection to Althorp is deeply emotional, it may not be as seamless as he might wish. It’s widely known that his mother, Princess Diana, did not always have a warm relationship with her family at the estate. Diana’s former butler, Paul Burrell, has revealed letters from Charles Spencer, Diana’s brother, in which he denied her request to live at Althorp, citing concerns for his family’s privacy. Instead, he offered her a smaller, less secure property. This rejection was a far cry from the familial support one might expect, and it seems history may now be repeating itself with Harry.
Just as Charles Spencer kept Diana at arm’s length, Louis Spencer appears to be doing the same with Harry. While Harry might hope to strengthen his bond with the Spencer family, Viscount Althorp seems unwilling to allow his cousin to move in without significant reservations. Rumors have even emerged suggesting that Harry might be offered Wormleighton Manor, an older, more remote Spencer property that lacks the grandeur and modern security of Althorp. Situated far from the media’s gaze, Wormleighton could provide a secluded home for Harry and his family, but it could also be seen as a subtle way for the Spencers to keep him at a distance.
Some speculate that Charles Spencer may be using Harry as a pawn in his own ongoing tensions with the British royal family. By aligning himself with Harry, Charles might appear to the public as the caring uncle, while also capitalizing on the enduring fascination with Princess Diana’s legacy. However, despite this possible posturing, it seems unlikely that Harry will ever be fully welcomed into the Spencer fold, let alone given permanent residence at Althorp. The idea of Harry calling Althorp home may be nothing more than wishful thinking, as family dynamics and historical precedents suggest otherwise.
