Harry Turned Down King Charles’ Offer to Stay at Royal Residence Due to Security Concerns

Prince Harry declined an offer from King Charles to stay at a royal residence during his recent visit to the UK, citing security concerns, sources claim.

The Duke of Sussex made a brief trip to London earlier this month, spending three nights in the city for the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. During this visit, Harry released a statement indicating that he would not be meeting with his father, suggesting that the King was too busy.

However, it has now been reported that King Charles did offer Harry the chance to stay at an undisclosed royal residence. Harry allegedly turned down the offer because it did not include taxpayer-funded personal security. According to The Telegraph, staying at a royal residence would have required him to remain in a “visible location with public entrance and exit points and no police protection.”

Instead, Harry chose to stay in a hotel, despite the potential opportunity for the pair to meet without disrupting their schedules. While royal residences are some of the most secure properties in the country, Harry’s primary concern was the level of security provided outside these premises.

This decision comes amid reports that Harry is “devastated” over the withdrawal of his automatic right to police protection in the UK, told Daily Mail. Last month, he lost a High Court bid to reinstate the same level of police protection he received as a working royal during his visits to the country.

The Duke of Sussex had taken legal action against the UK Government after learning that his security would be downgraded following his decision to step down as a senior working royal. Harry, who now resides in California with his wife Meghan and their children, Archie and Lilibet, is required to give the Metropolitan Police 28 days’ notice before coming to the UK if he wishes to apply for security provision. Each request is individually assessed by Ravec, the committee responsible for the protection of royalty and public figures.

So far, most of Harry’s security requests have been denied, except for occasional instances when he has traveled to or from a royal event. In his case against the Government, Harry accused the Home Office of subjecting him to “unlawful and unfair treatment” by denying his family the right to automatic security. He claimed he had been singled out and treated “less favourably” than others.

The ongoing security concerns highlight the challenges Harry faces as he navigates his new life away from the core royal duties, balancing his personal safety with his commitments and public appearances.