Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly accept King Charles’ offer to stay at royal residence
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will stay at a royal residence during their visit to the United Kingdom next month after accepting King Charles' offer of accommodation, marking their first trip to the country in four years.
The couple will be accompanied by their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, on their first visit to the UK since attending Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022. Their decision to accept accommodation on the royal estate has fueled speculation of a possible royal reconciliation after years of estrangement.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle accept royal residence invitation
The Sussexes had previously been offered accommodation on the royal estate for future visits, but this will be the first time they have accepted the invitation. The couple stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and relocated to California, saying they wanted to pursue a "financially independent" life.
Their departure triggered a long-running rift with the royal family. In televised interviews and Prince Harry's memoir, the couple cited tabloid intrusion, complex family dynamics, and entrenched racism in British institutions as key reasons behind their decision to leave the UK.
Since then, he has made several solo visits to Britain and was also joined by Meghan for Queen Elizabeth's funeral in 2022, while Harry attended King Charles's coronation alone in 2023.
Harry also reunited with his father for the first time in 19 months in September last year when the pair shared a private tea at Clarence House as King Charles underwent cancer treatment. Reports have indicated they have remained in contact, although he is still believed to be estranged from Prince William.
After losing taxpayer-funded police protection when he stepped back from royal duties, He also explained recently of avoiding bringing his family back to Britain, saying, "I can't see a world in which I will be bringing his wife and children back to the UK at this point."
Although the security arrangements for the upcoming visit have not been disclosed, the family will receive protection while staying at the royal residence.
Details about Prince Harry and his family's UK visit
The July visit will coincide with Prince Harry marking one year until the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham, the sporting competition for injured military personnel that he founded more than a decade ago.
Meghan will join him for Invictus-related events in London before he undertakes additional engagements in the Midlands. Their children are not expected to participate in public appearances, and details about the family's private schedule have not been shared.
The closure of Althorp House, Princess Diana's family estate, has prompted speculation that Harry and his family may visit. He has previously stayed at the estate during visits to the UK, including when he attended the funeral of his uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes, in 2024.
In his memoir, 'Spare', Harry recalled visiting the gravesite at Althorp with Meghan in 2022, writing, "No visit to this place was ever easy, but this one… twenty-fifth anniversary. And Meg's first time. At long last, I was bringing the girl of my dreams home to meet mum."
Describing the emotional visit, he added, "We hesitated, hugging, and then I went first. I placed flowers on the grave. Meg gave me a moment, and I spoke to my mother in my head, told her I missed her, asked her for guidance and clarity."
