Prince Harry ‘rejected’ King’s offer during UK visit: report

Unexpected new details have come to light following the frenzied speculation about Harry and Charles’ failed reunion attempt in London.

Prince Harry rejected an invitation from King Charles to stay at a royal residence during his brief visit to the UK, according to a new report.

The Duke of Sussex’s three-day return to his home country for Invictus Games events generated plenty of headlines earlier this month – with a particular focus on whether or not he would be catching up with his father.

In a bid to quash speculation, Harry’s spokesman released a statement at the time, confirming that he had requested a meeting with the King, but had been turned down as his week’s schedule was “full”.

The UK’s Telegraph now claims that the US-based duke had actually been offered accommodation at an undisclosed royal lodging, but turned it down due to security concerns.

The publication reports that the visibility of the entrance and exit on the royal property without police protection caused an issue for Harry, who instead opted to stay at a hotel, which allowed more privacy.

However, had he taken up his father’s offer, the pair’s long-awaited catch-up may have been more easily scheduled.

News.com.au has reached out to the Duke of Sussex for comment.

King Charles and Queen Camilla. Picture: Yui Mok/Pool/AFP

Harry in London during his brief visit earlier this month. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Invictus Games Foundation

Harry’s UK security protection has remained a sore point since he left the country – and royal duties – back in 2020.

He and wife Meghan Markle were evicted from their British base, Frogmore Cottage, last year following the release of his bombshell memoir, Spare. Losing the home, which was based on royal property and therefore automatically fell under the umbrella of royal protection, has since complicated his accommodation options during his occasional return visits to the UK.

Meanwhile, the latest development regarding Harry and Charles failed reunion follows reports last week that the duke was devastated by his father’s decision to turn down his invitation to meet – particularly as “everyone knew the real reason”.

Harry at Frogmore Cottage, prior to his family’s eviction. Picture: Netflix

While outwardly diplomatic, Harry’s statement made it clear that it was the King who had been either unable or unwilling to alter his schedule to see his son, with whom the relationship has been heavily strained in recent years.

According to royal author Tom Quinn, Harry had privately found the public snub “painful”.

“He was deeply shocked at his father’s blunt refusal to see him even for a moment,” he told the UK’s Mirror.

“This time the rejection was particularly painful because it was so public – Harry may have issued a statement saying he completely understood why his father didn’t have time to see him, but everyone knows the real reason had nothing to do with busy schedules.”