King Charles III is reportedly planning to offer Prince Harry a room at Buckingham Palace during the Duke of Sussex's expected September visit to the United Kingdom. This move is viewed by some royal experts as an attempt by the King to mend his relationship with his younger son, though it has also reportedly generated apprehension within the royal family, particularly from Prince William.
Reports indicate that the invitation to stay at the palace is tied to Prince Harry's annual attendance at the WellChild Awards. "This is perceived as an olive branch by King Charles to slowly rebuild their relationship," broadcaster Helena Chard told Fox News Digital. However, the reception to this offer is mixed.
Sources close to the palace reportedly express opposition to Harry staying at Buckingham Palace, citing past criticisms leveled by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex against the royal family. "My sources say staff at Buckingham Palace are against Harry staying," Chard stated. "They feel immensely betrayed by Harry's explosive claims against the royal family."
The potential palace stay follows a rare private reunion between Prince Harry and King Charles at the King's country estate, Highgrove House, in July. This meeting marked the first time King Charles had seen his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, since 2022. However, Harry's recent U.K. visits have been marked by logistical challenges, including a denied request for taxpayer-funded police protection.
Reports suggest a previous offer for Harry to stay at Buckingham Palace was extended and then withdrawn, with conflicting accounts from Harry's spokesperson and palace sources regarding the circumstances. The Sussexes, who relocated to California in 2020 after stepping back as senior working royals, lost their official security detail and were subsequently asked to vacate Frogmore Cottage.
Royal observers note that Prince William has maintained a distance from his brother, with the two reportedly not having spoken since the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. "Prince William, meanwhile, remains wary and won't want Harry at the palace," said royal expert Hilary Fordwich. "However, it's better that Harry stays at Buckingham Palace than in Windsor, which is too close to William and his family."
Richard Fitzwilliams, another royal expert, emphasized the significance of the Waleses' stance, stating, "The attitude of the Waleses, since they are the monarchy's future, is pivotal." He added that their distrust of the Sussexes could make King Charles' approach potentially disruptive.
Despite the internal reservations, King Charles appears determined to pursue reconciliation with his son. "Don't get me wrong, reconciliation within the British royal family would be good as it makes the monarchy stronger," Chard commented. "However, why invite Harry to Buckingham Palace, the iconic royal residence that's the administrative heart of the monarchy? Harry is no longer a working royal and shouldn't be offered a room at Buckingham Palace."
Chard also indicated that Prince William is known for his steadfastness and can be unforgiving. "William believes the monarchy must be seen to do the right thing, even when it's painful. From what I understand, he felt his father didn't handle that firmly enough. He also believes in protecting it by drawing hard lines. But he's not the king yet."
During part of their summer visit, the Sussexes stayed at Althorp, Princess Diana's ancestral home, hosted by Earl Charles Spencer. Meghan later shared images of Harry and their children at the estate on Instagram, a move that some believe has further strained relations with William and other members of the royal institution.