Prince Harry Says Palace Withdrew Accommodation Offer

Prince Harry's team has issued a statement alleging that Buckingham Palace extended and subsequently withdrew an offer of accommodation during his current visit to the United Kingdom, marking another chapter in the ongoing tensions between the Duke of Sussex and the royal institution.

According to a statement released Monday, July 6, the withdrawal came after Harry had already formally accepted the palace's offer to stay over the weekend. The timing of the reversal has raised questions about the palace's decision-making process and the factors influencing accommodations for the Duke during his visits to his home country.

"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," a spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex said in the statement to the BBC and ITV News.

The statement indicates that Buckingham Palace cited Tuesday's judgment in Harry's lawsuit against Associated Newspapers Limited, the publisher of the Daily Mail, as the reason for withdrawing the accommodation offer. The High Court is scheduled to announce the results of that case on Tuesday, July 7.

However, Harry's representatives have challenged the palace's explanation, noting a significant timeline discrepancy. "It is therefore disappointing that the offer has now been withdrawn, with Tuesday's judgment in the Associated Newspapers Limited case cited as the reason," the statement continued. "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 It is therefore unclear why, having formally accepted the accommodation offer, it has now been withdrawn at the last moment."

The controversy highlights the complex security and logistical arrangements that now accompany Harry's visits to the United Kingdom following his departure from senior royal duties. RAVEC, the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, previously decided not to provide security for Harry's family, forcing the Duke to arrange private security measures before his trip.

The accommodation dispute adds another layer to the strained relationship between Harry and the royal family. The Duke's ongoing legal battles with British media outlets, including the Associated Newspapers Limited case, continue to intersect with his interactions with the palace and his ability to maintain connections with his family in the United Kingdom.

The situation remains fluid, with the High Court judgment expected Tuesday potentially providing additional context to the palace's decision. Representatives for both Prince Harry and Buckingham Palace have not provided further comment on the matter as of Monday evening.