Prince Harry’s reported decision over where to stay during his upcoming UK visit could end up working in King Charles’ favor, according to a royal expert.
The King has reportedly offered Harry and Meghan Markle royal accommodation and security during their planned visit to Britain next month. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to travel to the UK with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, for an Invictus Games event scheduled from July 10 to 17.
However, according to Fox News Digital, Harry and Meghan may choose to stay at Althorp House, Princess Diana’s ancestral home, instead of a royal residence.
Royal expert Hilary Fordwich believes the move could benefit the King.
“It would be far better for them to stay at Althorp than at Buckingham Palace,” she said.
Fordwich explained that Althorp would remove questions around taxpayer funding while also keeping the Sussexes away from Prince William, who is reportedly not interested in seeing them.
“Althorp would be preferred because any question of taxpayer funding is removed. The king can save face,” she said. “The Sussexes would also be well away from Prince William, who is said to want nothing to do with them.”
Another royal commentator, Helena Chard, told the outlet that Althorp would allow Harry to connect with his late mother’s memory on his own terms, without the formalities of the royal household.
“Althorp offers privacy, seclusion and a direct connection to his mother’s memory, something Buckingham Palace, as a working royal landmark with a huge office complex, cannot provide,” Chard said.
The reports have also placed Althorp House, which is owned by Princess Diana’s brother Charles Spencer, back in the spotlight.
The private estate is reportedly scheduled to close to visitors on July 10 and 11, the same dates Harry and Meghan are expected to be in Britain.
