Is this really why Prince Harry did not see King Charles during his recent visit to the UK?
Earlier this month, the 39-year-old royal spent three days in London to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games but never saw King Charles. Not even once during the short trip! Prior to the event, his team claimed Charles was too busy to see him. And that seemed to ring true as Charles — nor anyone from his side of the family — didn’t show up to the games despite the Duke of Sussex reportedly inviting them as an olive branch.
Harry seemingly tried everything to see King Charles. Or did he? We later found out His Majesty allowed him to stay at a palace residence during his trip since he and Meghan Markle no longer have their UK home, Frogmore Cottage. If Harry stayed a royal property, the father and son would’ve found it “easier” to spend time together even with their hectic schedules. However, the Archewell co-founder declined the offer and stayed at a hotel instead! Damn…
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So was Harry preventing a meeting with Charles all along? It seems so! On the other hand, Charles easily could have spared a minute to hang out with Harry! Kings are busy, but they’re still Kings. You know? The effort to make arrangements doesn’t just fall on Harry’s shoulders! We were curious as to why he turned down the offer to stay at the same estate as Charles, though. Luckily, we got answers now.
According to The Telegraph on Tuesday, Harry’s rejection all came down to him having “security concerns!” The outlet reported Charles’ offer did not include any security provision, which would leave him staying in a “visible location with public entrance and exit points and no police protection.” Harry then chose to go to a hotel instead so he “could come and go unseen.” Huh??? Wouldn’t that option have left him with less protection? As the outlet pointed out, the royal residences are “the best protected properties” in the UK as there are armed officers at the gates. So he could’ve had decent security at the residence — while getting a chance to meet with Charles!
Granted, Harry’s main concern always has been about the level of security he’s allowed whenever he steps outside the palace gates. The Telegraph noted he “remains devastated” about the removal of his right to police protection whenever he visits England, a decision he’s still fighting.
He is now forced to give the Metropolitan Police 28 days’ notice before coming across the pond if he wants to apply for security provision. Ravec, the committee that oversees the protection of royalty and other public figures, assesses each request. Unfortunately for Harry, they denied almost every request — except for a few instances when he traveled to or from a royal event like the coronation. The Duke also received a police escort when he came to London in February and was taken to Clarence House for a meeting with Charles after his cancer diagnosis — which reportedly did not go well! When Harry left the residence, the outlet claimed he had no protection anymore. Oof.
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[Image via MEGA/WENN]
