Prince Harry has arrived in the UK after stating his invitation to stay at Buckingham Palace was withdrawn “at the last moment”.
The Duke of Sussex has returned for five days of engagements in London and Birmingham, and is not currently being joined by his wife Meghan and two children.
Harry accepted an offer to stay at the royal residence after making alternative security arrangements over the weekend.
But a spokesperson for the duke said his offer was revoked ahead of the looming judgement in his case against the publisher of the Daily Mail, which is due on Tuesday.
The spokesperson told The Independent: “I am aware of multiple briefings from Buckingham Palace last week suggesting that the Duke had not accepted the offer of accommodation at a Royal Residence.
“Following RAVEC’s decision not to provide security for his family, the Duke spent last week making alternative security arrangements. Once those arrangements were in place, he was able to formally accept the offer of accommodation for himself over the weekend.”
They added that it was “disappointing” that the offer had been withdrawn, and that Buckingham Palace had been aware of the judgement since last Thursday.
The appropriate hospitality and staffing provision was said to be no longer available, with Buckingham Palace also believing the longstanding legal case had complicated the matter, and could compromise the King’s constitutional position.
Read MoreMeghan, Archie and Lilibet will not join Harry on trip to London
The Diana theory: Why Kate and Meghan are more like each other than they might think
Prince Harry’s coming home – and I know how William might be feeling
Key Points
- Prince Harry will not stay at Buckingham Palace during stay
- Full statement: Duke reveals offer to stay at Buckingham Palace 'withdrawn at last moment'
- Harry will not stay in any royal accommodation during visit
- Why is Harry in court with Daily Mail's publisher?
- A timeline of Harry's legal battle over taxpayer-funded security
ICMYI: Duke only wanted to stay at Buckingham Palace for one night
21:00 , Harriette BoucherPrince Harry had only planned to stay at Buckingham Palace for one night during to his visit to the UK.
He is said to have spent most of last week making alternative arrangements before formally accepting the offer for himself – for a single night.
According to the Press Association, the duke initially turned down the offer for himself and his family, who are no longer accompanying him to London, on Saturday, before making a U-turn later in the day and asking to stay himself.
Questions have been raised on the Sussex side as to whether the offer of a bed at a royal residence was ever intended to be available once Harry had accepted it.
The Royal Household requires a minimum level of notice to ensure he could be hosted appropriately at a royal residence.
It has been reported that he accepted the offer too late and the appropriate hospitality and staffing provision was no longer available.
The Buckingham Palace is also said to believe that the longstanding legal case against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL complicated the matter, and could compromise the King’s constitutional position.
Watch: Meghan and children will not join Harry as he arrives in London next week
20:30 , Harriette BoucherCatherine visits children's hospital to hear about cancer care expansion plans
20:00 , Harriette BoucherThe Princess of Wales visited the Evelina London Children’s Hospital on Wednesday to learn about its cancer care expansion plans.
The future queen is the hospital’s patron and has visited a number of times over the years to get updates about its progress and last made a trip in 2023 to open its children’s day centre.
Evelina London is expanding its services to meet increasing demand and plans are under way for a new hospital building next to the existing site, expected to open in the early 2030s.
What is Prince Harry's itinerary during his visit to England?
19:30 , Harriette BoucherHarry is visiting the UK to celebrate the one-year countdown to his Invictus Games, which is being hosted in Birmingham next July.
The Invictus Games is an international multi-sport event for wounded, injured and sick military service personnel.
The duke is set to participate in events and celebrations for the lead-up to the event.
His itinerary includes a visit to Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC), the primary venue for the 2027 Games.
He is expected to watch and take part in a series of exhibition events alongside competitors from previous Invictus Games.
Meghan was expected to accompany Harry on these outings, but is unclear whether she will now come to the UK.
Harry’s itinerary also include engagements with charities Scotty’s Little Soldiers, of which he is an ambassador, and WellChild, of which he is a patron.
He was also planning to take his children to visit the grave of their grandmother, Princess Diana, at Althorp House in Northamptonshire for the first time.
It is unclear if this will still go ahead.
Why is Harry in court with Daily Mail's publisher?
19:00 , Harriette BoucherPrince Harry has claimed that his invitation to stay at Buckingham Palace was revoked ahead of the expected judgement in his case against the publisher of the Daily Mail, which is due on Tuesday.
The Duke of Sussex, along with several other high-profile figures, launched legal action against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) over claims that the publisher carried out or commissioned unlawful activities such as hiring private investigators to place listening devices inside cars, “blagging” private records and accessing private phone conversations.
ANL firmly denies the “preposterous” allegations, which are being tried over nine weeks in London.
A spokesperson for Harry said Tuesday’s judgment in the case was cited as the reason the offer was rescinded.
“Buckingham Palace has, however, been aware of that judgment since last Thursday,” the spokesperson said.
“It is therefore unclear why, having formally accepted the accommodation offer, it has now been withdrawn at the last moment.”
Breaking: Prince Harry arrives in the UK
18:36 , Holly EvansThe Duke of Sussex has arrived in the UK, a spokesperson for Harry has confirmed.
Harry is carrying out five days of appearances in London and Birmingham, including marking the one year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games.
When was Prince Harry's last trip to the UK?
18:30 , Harriette BoucherHarry’s visit to the UK this week will be his second in the country this year.
The duke was last in England in January for his High Court legal battle against Daily Mail’s publishers - the result of which will be revealed tomorrow.
It is not known if Harry will be meeting with King Charles after his invitation to stay at Buckingham Palace was rescinded.
If he does, it will be the first time he has seen his father since September, when the two had tea at Clarence House.
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, the duke has been in the UK more than a dozen times.
His seven-year-old son, Archie, and five-year-old daughter, Lilibet, have not seen King Charles since since Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022.
Watch: Harry’s coming home and I know how William might be feeling
18:00 , Harriette BoucherUp to £38m legal costs, 4-year wait and 14 news articles: Harry’s court battle with Daily Mail publisher in numbers
17:30 , Harriette BoucherSenior journalist Alex Ross reports:
In a defining moment of his evidence to the High Court, Prince Harry appeared, briefly, to slip under the weight of emotion.
Before making claims over “24-hour surveillance” and “people write about you claiming it is in the public interest when it clearly isn’t”, the Duke of Sussex was told by judge Mr Justice Nicklin that, as a witness, he did not have to argue his point; he just had to answer the questions put to him.
Harry said: “I just want you to have an idea of what it is like living in this world.”
For 45 days, the Royal Courts of Justice hosted a trial which heard claims by Harry and six other household names, including Sir Elton John and Baroness Doreen Lawrence, against the Daily Mail’s publisher, Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL).
Alleging unlawful information gathering, from landline tapping to obtaining information through deception, the claimants had suffered “violation”, “profound betrayal” and “shock and horror”, the court heard.
But it was Prince Harry, in his third legal dispute with a newspaper group, who caught most of the media attention, as he shed light on his relationships under the tabloid spotlight during a two-hour exchange with lawyers acting on behalf of ANL.
ANL strongly denied the claims, saying it had a “culture of professionalism and discipline”. Antony White KC said the group’s claim had been conceived by press reform campaign group Hacked Off, as a “political campaign”, and that the publisher had mounted a “robust and comprehensive” defence.
The stakes for both sides are high as Mr Justice Nicklin hands down his ruling on Tuesday. Here, The Independent looks at the case by numbers:
Up to £38m legal costs, 4 years and 14 news articles: Harry’s court battle in numbers
Comment: After Harry’s Buckingham Palace bust-up, I fear the King will see his grandchildren again
16:30 , Harriette BoucherHopes of a reconciliation between Prince Harry and other royals have been dashed by a row over his accommodation and security demands during what was supposed to have been a five-day family visit – and it’s an ailing King Charles who is caught in the middle, says Paul Clements:
Why I fear the King won’t see his grandchildren again
A timeline of Harry's legal battle over taxpayer-funded security
16:02 , Harriette BoucherPrince Harry has been in an ongoing legal battle with the Home Office over his security arrangements for him and his family while they are in the UK.
He announced over the weekend that he would not bring his family to London after his request for taxpayer-funded security was denied.
Here is a timeline of his security row:
February 2020
The Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec) declare that Harry will not receive the same level of taxpayer-funded personal protection following his decision to step back from royal duties.
September 2021
Prince Harry seeks a judicial review against a refusal of the Home Office to allow him to personally pay for police protection when in the UK.
February 2022
At a preliminary hearing, Shaheed Fatima KC, representing the duke, told the High Court that Harry wanted to bring his children to visit from the US, but that he “does not feel safe” when visiting under the new security arrangements, citing the visit in June 2021.
The court also heard that Harry previously said he wanted to fund the security himself, rather than ask taxpayers to foot the bill.
But Robert Palmer KC, for the Home Office, said the offer of private funding was “irrelevant”.
May 2023
Harry attempted to bring a second legal challenge concerning his security arrangements, asking for a judicial review over the decision not to allow him to pay privately for his protection.
February 2024
Retired High Court judge Sir Peter Lane dismissed Harry’s claim, concluding Ravec’s approach was not irrational nor procedurally unfair.
April 2024
Sir Peter refused to give Harry the go-ahead to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.
June 2024
The Court of Appeal gave Harry the green light to challenge the ruling.
May 2025
Harry loses his legal challenge over the levels of security he and his family are entitled to.
Duke only wanted to stay at Buckingham Palace for one night
15:35 , Harriette BoucherPrince Harry had only planned to stay at Buckingham Palace for one night during to his visit to the UK.
He is said to have spent most of last week making alternative arrangements before formally accepting the offer for himself – for a single night.
According to the Press Association, the duke initially turned down the offer for himself and his family, who are no longer accompanying him to London, on Saturday, before making a U-turn later in the day and asking to stay himself.
Questions have been raised on the Sussex side as to whether the offer of a bed at a royal residence was ever intended to be available once Harry had accepted it.
The Royal Household requires a minimum level of notice to ensure he could be hosted appropriately at a royal residence.
It has been reported that he accepted the offer too late and the appropriate hospitality and staffing provision was no longer available.
The Buckingham Palace is also said to believe that the longstanding legal case against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL complicated the matter, and could compromise the King’s constitutional position.
King Charles had private conversations with his son ahead of trip
15:28 , Harriette BoucherPrivate conversations between King Charles and his son are said to have taken place in the lead up to Harry’s visit to the UK.
The decision to withdraw Harry’s invitation to stay at Buckingham Palace was taken in consultation with the King, the Press Association reported.
The outcome was reportedly communicated to Harry through the appropriate channels.
It is not yet known if the two will meet this week.
When was Prince Harry last in the UK?
15:16 , Harriette BoucherHarry’s visit to the UK this week will be the second time he has been in the country this year.
The duke was last in England in January for his High Court legal battle against Daily Mail’s publishers - the result of which will be revealed tomorrow.
It is not known if Harry will be meeting with King Charles after his invitation to stay at Buckingham Palace was rescinded.
If he does, it will be the first time he has seen his father since September, when the two had tea at Clarence House.
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, the duke has been in the UK more than a dozen times.
His seven-year-old son, Archie, and five-year-old daughter, Lilibet, have not seen King Charles since since Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022.
Why did Buckingham Palace decide that Harry couldn't stay?
14:48 , Harriette BoucherAfter accepting an invitation to stay at Buckingham Palace over the weekend, Prince Harry was told he was no longer welcome.
The Duke of Sussex has alleged that his offer was revoked ahead of the looming judgement in his case against the publisher of the Daily Mail, which is due on Tuesday.
It has been reported that he accepted the offer too late and the appropriate hospitality and staffing provision was no longer available.
The Buckingham Palace is also said to believe that the longstanding legal case against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL complicated the matter, and could compromise the King’s constitutional position.
Citing palace sources, The Telegraph reported that the decision to rescind the offer was made in consultation with King Charles.
'Why do they have to be so messy?' GMB host criticises royal family over accommodation row
14:09 , Harriette BoucherSusanna Reid has hit out at Buckingham Palace’s decision to withdraw Harry’s accommodation offer.
“Buckingham Palace is there with plenty of rooms available,” the Good Morning Britain host said.
“Why do they have to be so messy in public? It’s the royal family.
“There will people who will say when it comes to Prince Harry, it will always be messy, but if you offer the accommodation and it’s accepted, surely you go through with it.
She described the issue of security as “extremely controversial.”
“We knew that it was going to be messy because Harry has this concern of protection and security, which I completely understand, and I can see why he wouldn’t want to bring Meghan and the children.”
Ms Reid added: “To offer your son a place to stay and then say, ‘well there’s a deadline on it and no we’re not going to give you that room’, I mean that seems pretty extraordinary.”
Recap: Why is Harry in court with Daily Mail's publisher?
13:49 , Harriette BoucherPrince Harry has claimed that his invitation to stay at Buckingham Palace was revoked ahead of the expected judgement in his case against the publisher of the Daily Mail, which is due on Tuesday.
The Duke of Sussex, along with several other high-profile figures, launched legal action against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) over claims that the publisher carried out or commissioned unlawful activities such as hiring private investigators to place listening devices inside cars, “blagging” private records and accessing private phone conversations.
ANL firmly denies the “preposterous” allegations, which are being tried over nine weeks in London.
A spokesperson for Harry said Tuesday’s judgment in the case was cited as the reason the offer was rescinded.
“Buckingham Palace has, however, been aware of that judgment since last Thursday,” the spokesperson said.
“It is therefore unclear why, having formally accepted the accommodation offer, it has now been withdrawn at the last moment.”
Watch: Harry’s coming home and I know how William might be feeling
13:30 , Harriette BoucherICYMI: Full statement as duke reveals his offer to stay at Buckingham Palace 'withdrawn at last moment'
13:17 , Harriette BoucherA spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex said: “I am aware of multiple briefings from Buckingham Palace last week suggesting that the Duke had not accepted the offer of accommodation at a Royal Residence.
“Following RAVEC’s decision not to provide security for his family, the Duke spent last week making alternative security arrangements.
“Once those arrangements were in place, he was able to formally accept the offer of accommodation for himself over the weekend.It is therefore disappointing that the offer has now been withdrawn, with Tuesday’s judgment in the Associated Newspapers Limited case cited as the reason.
“Buckingham Palace has, however, been aware of that judgment since last Thursday. It is therefore unclear why, having formally accepted the accommodation offer, it has now been withdrawn at the last moment.”
All the changes to Harry's trip to the UK so far
12:53 , Harriette BoucherThe briefings for Prince Harry’s trip to the UK have changed significantly over the past two weeks due to the ongoing row over security for his family.
27 June - Harry and Meghan accepted an offer to stay in a royal residence during their visit, signifying an improving relationship with his father.
28 June - It is revealed that the Duke of Sussex was rethinking his decision to bring Meghan and his children to the UK after his request for police protection was denied.
1 July - It is announced that the judgment in Harry’s case against the publisher of the Daily Mail is due this Tuesday.
4 July - Meghan and the children revealed to not be accompanying the Duke of Sussex in London. It is not known if they join him for the rest of their trip.
6 July - Prince Harry’s spokesperson reveals that Buckingham Palace revoked its accommodation offer after the duke accepted it.
The spokesperson said Tuesday’s judgment was cited as the reason behind Buckingham Palace’s decision to withdraw the offer.
Comment: Prince Harry’s coming home – and I know how William might be feeling
12:33 , Harriette BoucherAs Prince Harry plans to return to the UK with Meghan and their children, Archie and Lilibet, William and Kate are reportedly not happy. I totally understand, says Charlotte Cripps, who is dreading being reunited with her half-siblings over the summer:
Prince Harry’s coming home – and I know how William might be feeling
A timeline of Harry's legal battle over taxpayer-funded security
12:11 , Harriette BoucherPrince Harry has been in an ongoing legal battle with the Home Office over his security arrangements for him and his family while they are in the UK.
He announced over the weekend that he would not bring his family to London after his request for taxpayer-funded security was denied.
Here is a timeline of his security row:
February 2020
The Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec) declare that Harry will not receive the same level of taxpayer-funded personal protection following his decision to step back from royal duties.
September 2021
Prince Harry seeks a judicial review against a refusal of the Home Office to allow him to personally pay for police protection when in the UK.
February 2022
At a preliminary hearing, Shaheed Fatima KC, representing the duke, told the High Court that Harry wanted to bring his children to visit from the US, but that he “does not feel safe” when visiting under the new security arrangements, citing the visit in June 2021.
The court also heard that Harry previously said he wanted to fund the security himself, rather than ask taxpayers to foot the bill.
But Robert Palmer KC, for the Home Office, said the offer of private funding was “irrelevant”.
May 2023
Harry attempted to bring a second legal challenge concerning his security arrangements, asking for a judicial review over the decision not to allow him to pay privately for his protection.
February 2024
Retired High Court judge Sir Peter Lane dismissed Harry’s claim, concluding Ravec’s approach was not irrational nor procedurally unfair.
April 2024
Sir Peter refused to give Harry the go-ahead to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal.
June 2024
The Court of Appeal gave Harry the green light to challenge the ruling.
May 2025
Harry loses his legal challenge over the levels of security he and his family are entitled to.
Watch: Meghan and children will not join Harry as he arrives in London next week
11:46 , Harriette BoucherComment: What’s less likely to come home this summer, Prince Harry or the World Cup?
11:25 , Harriette BoucherPrince Harry must be the only entitled millennial who doesn’t seem to have access to the bank of mum and dad – but that doesn’t mean I’m happy to foot the bill, says Victoria Richards:
What’s less likely to come home this summer, Prince Harry or the World Cup?
What is Prince Harry's itinerary during his visit to England?
11:08 , Harriette BoucherHarry is visiting the UK to celebrate the one-year countdown to his Invictus Games, which is being hosted in Birmingham next July.
The Invictus Games is an international multi-sport event for wounded, injured and sick military service personnel.
The duke is set to participate in events and celebrations for the lead-up to the event.
His itinerary includes a visit to Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC), the primary venue for the 2027 Games.
He is expected to watch and take part in a series of exhibition events alongside competitors from previous Invictus Games.
Meghan was expected to accompany Harry on these outings, but is unclear whether she will now come to the UK.
Harry’s itinerary also include engagements with charities Scotty’s Little Soldiers, of which he is an ambassador, and WellChild, of which he is a patron.
He was also planning to take his children to visit the grave of their grandmother, Princess Diana, at Althorp House in Northamptonshire for the first time.
It is unclear if this will still go ahead.
In full: Meghan, Archie and Lilibet will not join Harry on trip to London
10:44 , Harriette Boucher
Meghan, Archie and Lilibet will not join Harry on trip to London
Harry was 'desperate' for children to see King Charles
10:35 , Harriette BoucherHarry was said to be “desperate” for his children to see their grandfather in the UK in what would have been their first trip in four years.
A source close to Harry and Meghan accused the Home Office and the committee responsible for assessing their security of “wilfully creating conditions that are making it nearly impossible” for them to safely travel in the UK, The Telegraph reported last month.
His seven-year-old son, Archie, and five-year-old daughter, Lilibet, have not seen King Charles since since Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022.
It is not known whether the duke will still be seeing his father after he was told he could no longer stay at Buckingham Palace.
The pair last saw each other in September during tea at Clarence House.
Harry’s accepted invitation to stay at a royal residence was thought to signify improving relations between him and the King.
Why is Harry in court with Daily Mail's publisher?
10:20 , Harriette BoucherPrince Harry has claimed that his invitation to stay at Buckingham Palace was revoked ahead of the expected judgement in his case against the publisher of the Daily Mail, which is due on Tuesday.
The Duke of Sussex, along with several other high-profile figures, launched legal action against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) over claims that the publisher carried out or commissioned unlawful activities such as hiring private investigators to place listening devices inside cars, “blagging” private records and accessing private phone conversations.
ANL firmly denies the “preposterous” allegations, which are being tried over nine weeks in London.
A spokesperson for Harry said Tuesday’s judgment in the case was cited as the reason the offer was rescinded.
“Buckingham Palace has, however, been aware of that judgment since last Thursday,” the spokesperson said.
“It is therefore unclear why, having formally accepted the accommodation offer, it has now been withdrawn at the last moment.”
Harry will not stay in any royal accommodation during visit
10:11 , Harriette BoucherPrince Harry will be staying in private accommodation for the entirety of his visit to England.
His spokesperson told The Independent that he will no longer stay at any royal residence after his offer to stay at the Buckingham Palace was rescinded.
The duke accepted an invitation last month to stay at a royal estate during his visit to the UK.
Full statement: Duke reveals his offer to stay at Buckingham Palace 'withdrawn at last moment'
10:05 , Harriette BoucherA spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex said: “I am aware of multiple briefings from Buckingham Palace last week suggesting that the Duke had not accepted the offer of accommodation at a Royal Residence.
“Following RAVEC’s decision not to provide security for his family, the Duke spent last week making alternative security arrangements.
“Once those arrangements were in place, he was able to formally accept the offer of accommodation for himself over the weekend.It is therefore disappointing that the offer has now been withdrawn, with Tuesday’s judgment in the Associated Newspapers Limited case cited as the reason.
“Buckingham Palace has, however, been aware of that judgment since last Thursday. It is therefore unclear why, having formally accepted the accommodation offer, it has now been withdrawn at the last moment.”
Prince Harry will not stay at Buckingham Palace during stay
10:02 , Harriette BoucherPrince Harry will not stay at the Buckingham Palace during his stay in the UK.
The Duke of Sussex claimed that his invitation had been revoked after he accepted it over the weekend.
