Prince Harry Refuses Buckingham Palace Stay and Faces 'Limited Police Protection' During London Visit

 Prince Harry Refuses Buckingham Palace Stay and Faces 'Limited Police Protection' During London Visit

The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, 40, has reportedly declined an offer to stay at Buckingham Palace during his upcoming trip to London for a court case hearing. According to The Mirror UK, he will instead receive "limited police protection" from the Metropolitan Police during his stay.

This decision follows Harry’s legal battle over taxpayer-funded security, which he lost last year. His visit to London is tied to his ongoing trial against News Group Newspapers (NGN), the publisher of The Sun, over allegations of unlawful information gathering and invasion of privacy.

Harry Declines Buckingham Palace Stay

Insiders revealed that Harry turned down the option to stay at Buckingham Palace during his visit. However, details about where he will reside during his time in the UK remain undisclosed.

‘Limited Police Protection’ for Prince Harry

While in London, Prince Harry will be protected by armed officers from the Royalty and Specialist Protection Command of the Metropolitan Police. Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley noted that the police are stretched thin and have had to recruit officers on their days off to fulfill this task.

A source disclosed, “The Met has been trying to recruit officers on their days off because they don’t have a lot of spare staff. He [Harry] is being offered limited police protection.”

The Sussexes’ Security Struggles

In March 2022, Harry lost his bid to reinstate the same level of security he once received as a working royal. After stepping down from their roles as senior royals and moving to the United States, Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, saw their security downgraded.

Now, decisions regarding Prince Harry’s security in the UK are made on a case-by-case basis by city police, similar to arrangements for other VIP visitors.

Why Is Prince Harry in the UK?

The Duke of Sussex is in the UK to participate in a legal battle against The Sun publisher NGN. He, along with former Labour deputy leader Lord Tom Watson, accuses the publisher of unlawful information-gathering practices.

Where Is Meghan Markle?

The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, will remain in the United States with the couple’s two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Markle has not returned to the UK since Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022, where she accompanied Harry to pay their final respects to the late monarch.

This trip marks another chapter in the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s ongoing fight for privacy and security amid their transition away from royal life.