Prince Harry tipped to find a new base as UK return imminent

With the Duke of Sussex's return to the UK happening later this month, and also for the Invictus Games in 2027, many commentators will be questioning where Harry will choose to stay during his frequent visits.

Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, lived in Frogmore Cottage on the Windsor Estate during their time as working royals.

However, following the release of Spare in 2023, the duke and duchess were asked to hand back the keys and permanently vacate the property.

Despite moving to the US in 2020, the Sussexes kept Frogmore as a UK base and even stayed there during Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee in 2022.

Since being evicted from Frogmore, Prince Harry and Meghan no longer have a permanent UK base.

When Harry travelled to the UK last month for his uncle Lord Robert Fellowes's funeral, he stayed with Charles, the 9th Earl Spencer, at Althorp House.

This was the childhood home of his late mother, Princess Diana.

The duke also visited the UK in May for the 10th anniversary service of the Invictus Games at St Paul's Cathedral.

Harry was reportedly invited to stay at Buckingham Palace during the visit, but opted for the comfort of a hotel room instead.

A source told The Times: "I don't know what more the King could have done. He offered Harry to stay at Buckingham Palace but that it seems even that wasn't good enough.

"It was far from clear what the duke's plans were. When it came to it there was no space in the King's diary in between treatment and other scheduled events."

The publication reported that Charles, who was staying at the nearby Clarence House at the time, suggested Buckingham Palace so that he and his son could have the opportunity to meet.

Instead, Harry opted for a hotel in London, and the King's "full programme" of commitments meant they never caught up in person.

In a statement made at the time, Harry's spokesperson revealed: "In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not the duke will meet with his father while in the UK this week, it, unfortunately, will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full programme.

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"The duke of course is understanding of his father's diary of commitments and various other priorities, and hopes to see him soon."

A source with knowledge of the declined offer told The Times: "It makes Harry’s decision to stay in a hotel all the more strange when the Palace would naturally offer all the security you could wish for.

"It would also have made more sense from a point of view of seeing his father as it would be easier for the King to see his son if they were staying nearby."