Sources close to the couple, now residing in the United States, have disclosed that the King's decision to deny Prince Harry accommodation at a royal residence due to short notice has led Meghan and Harry to reconsider their visits to the Duke's home country.
During a brief visit to the UK for the World Child Awards in London, Prince Harry encountered a predicament when he requested to stay at Windsor Castle upon learning that his father was still at Balmoral. Unfortunately, his request was declined, resulting in his stay at a hotel.
In response to this situation, a spokesperson for the Sussexes commented, "Not having anywhere isn't overly helpful. There are friends and hotels, but I know they'd like to have somewhere." According to sources cited by The Times, Meghan appears to have decided that returning to the UK more frequently may not align with her desires. However, Harry remains interested in having a base in his home country, as he sees opportunities for charitable work and future engagements that may require his presence in the UK.
Despite the King's refusal to provide Prince Harry with a place to stay, he was allowed to visit the late Queen's resting place on September 8th, just before his departure to Germany for the 2023 Invictus Games.
This dispute comes amidst alleged tensions surrounding Prince Harry's role as a counselor of state, one of seven members of the royal family who can deputize for the King when he is abroad or unwell. By law, counselors of state, including Princess Anne and Prince Edward, must have a residence in Britain. However, Harry, who resides in California, is effectively homeless in the UK after being evicted from Frogmore Cottage earlier this year.
King Charles's close friend, Charles Wesley, the 9th Duke of Wellington, revealed that one of the King's first actions as monarch was to appoint Dr. John SBJ, a constitutional law professor, as a deputy private secretary. Dr. SBJ is a legal expert who has previously advised individuals such as the Lord Chief Justice and is now tasked with advising the King on the most legally expedient ways to address issues like counselors of state.
Additionally, the King has expanded the pool of available counselors of state by including Princess Anne and Prince Edward as lifetime counselors. To address the issue, the Royal Ceremonies have reportedly considered leasing a property on a Royal Estate to Harry and Meghan.
Buckingham Palace has announced a new policy requiring Prince Harry to book his accommodation or visits with a 28-day notice if he intends to stay in a royal residence or visit King Charles while in the UK. Harry's office initially reached out to Buckingham Palace upon confirming his attendance at the London-based awards ceremony, expressing his desire to see his father and stay with him if possible. However, Harry was informed that a formal request would be necessary for such arrangements to be made.
