Prince Harry flashes huge grin at London event after Buckingham Palace debacle
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
Prince Harry couldn’t help flashing a huge smile as he waved to waiting fans surrounding Chatham House ahead of the Invictus Games Foundation Conversation.
It marks the first of the Duke of Sussex’s public events during his return trip to the UK for the international sporting event he founded in 2014.
The Invictus Games are set to be held in Birmingham next year, with Prince Harry, 41, kicking off the One Year to Go celebrations this month.
While you wouldn’t know it from his face at the London event, his arrival comes after a rather awkward royal mishap.
It was announced by his spokesman that the former royal would stay at Buckingham Palace – only for this to be ‘withdrawn’ moments later.
Sign up for all of the latest stories
Start your day informed with Metro's News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens.
Prince Harry reportedly accepted the offer too late, meaning the palace couldn’t make the necessary arrangements for his visit.
It’s understood that Meghan Markle and the couple’s children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, will not join Harry for the London portion of the visit due to a lack of police security.
Prince Harry has arrived in the UK for his Invictus Games countdown (Picture: Justin Tallis/ AFP via Getty Images)
His arrival comes after confusion over his stay at Buckingham Palace (Picture: Justin Tallis / AFP via Getty Images)
In a statement after the confusion, the Duke’s spokesman 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‘It is therefore disappointing that the offer has now been withdrawn, with Tuesday’s judgment in the Associated Newspapers Limited case cited as the reason.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 It is therefore unclear why, having formally accepted the accommodation offer, it has now been withdrawn at the last moment.’
He’s had a difficult relationship with the Royals for several years (Picture: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
It’s believed Meghan Markle and the kids may join him later on his UK trip (Picture: Justin Goff Photos/Getty Images)
It’s currently unclear whether there are plans for Harry to meet with King Charles, whom he reunited with in September after not seeing each other for over a year.
Billionaire who wants to live forever and takes 54 supplements a day has incurable disease
Bodies of two men missing for ten days found in car 'hidden by undergrowth'
Teenager who drowned on Duke of Edinburgh trip was 'kind and left an immeasurable void'
Things have been tense between the Sussexes and the rest of the family since their decision to exit royal duties.
The couple have now settled in California and have rarely returned to the UK after being stripped of taxpayer-funded protection afforded to royals.
It’s believed that Meghan and the children may join Harry later in the visit, once he has left the capital.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
Arrow
MORE: Prince Harry has phone hacking case against Daily Mail dismissed by High Court
Arrow
MORE: King sends message to Trump and US on 250th anniversary of independence
Arrow
MORE: ‘White supremacy’ flag flown during event at King Charles’ estate
Comment now
Comments
Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google
Add as preferred source
News Updates
Stay on top of the headlines with daily email updates.
