Prince Harry 'rejects' King Charles' offer to stay at royal residence over security concerns during Invictus Games anniversary
LONDON, ENGLAND: Prince Harry reportedly declined King Charles' invitation to stay at a royal palace during his visit to the UK earlier in May due to "security concerns."
He instead decided to stay at a hotel, most likely with guests, as The Telegraph reported, so he "could come and go unseen."
Prince Harry turned down King's offer to stay at royal palace due to 'security concerns'
Prince Harry, 39, did not see King Charles during his three-night stay in London after arriving from California to commemorate the Invictus Games' 10th anniversary.
According to reports, Harry made multiple personal requests for a meeting, but he later declared in a statement that he and his father would not be meeting when arrived in the UK due to the King's hectic schedule.
Although Harry no longer has an official abode in the UK, Charles, 75, did grant his younger son's request to stay at an unnamed royal residence.
If the invitation had been accepted, it might have given the father-son duo a chance to get away from their busy schedules and spend some time together.
The Duke, however, turned down the offer since it had no security clause, which would have required him to stay in a conspicuous place with open entry and departure ports and no police protection.
With armed guards at the entrances, royal residences are some of the most secure estates in the nation. However, the Duke was primarily worried about the security he received outside.
Although the location where the King offered Harry a room is unknown, St James' Palace is a likely contender, per Daily Mail.
It is occasionally used by other Royal Family members. Furthermore, it is located next to Clarence House, the King's London residence. Safeguarded by a ring of steel, it would have provided a relatively private meeting space for father and son.
Prince Harry remains devastated due to withdrawal of his automatic right
The outlet further stated that the Duke of Sussex, who is still fighting the Home Office in British courts, "remains devastated" at the removal of his automatic right to police protection.
To request security, Harry must now give the Metropolitan Police 28 days' notice before traveling to the UK. The Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, Ravec, will review each request individually.
Rather, a "bespoke" arrangement was developed, which entailed evaluating every visit independently. The Duke informed the High Court that he was "forced" to resign from his royal duties and go abroad.
Harry claimed he had been picked out and handled "less favorably" than others, and he accused the Home Office of subjecting him to "unlawful and unfair treatment" by denying his family the option of automatic security.
The Duke further declared that he believed he was being punished for prioritizing and defending his family by having to make this decision.
The Duke said he would cover his security costs, but the Metropolitan Police Service was not available for hire. Harry faced an estimated £1 million in legal bills after losing the February judicial challenge.
