Prince Harry has arrived in the UK without Meghan Markle and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, according to reports.
The Duke of Sussex, who is the younger son of King Charles III, travelled from the US without his family amid ongoing security concerns, GB News reported.
The publication also claimed it is still unclear whether Meghan, Archie, and Lilibet will join Harry later in the week for parts of his visit outside London.
Harry’s arrival comes shortly after his spokesperson issued a strongly worded statement responding to Buckingham Palace’s denial that he would be staying at a royal residence during his trip.
According to a royal source, Harry was told he could not stay at Buckingham Palace this week because he did not accept an invitation by the required deadline.
The Duke had reportedly hoped to bring Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, to Britain for what would have been their first visit in four years. However, his spokesperson confirmed on Saturday that the children would not be travelling to London after the family failed to reach a security arrangement with the government.
With the family trip now off and questions still surrounding Harry’s accommodation, the visit appears to highlight the continuing strain between the Duke and the royal family, despite his stated wish for reconciliation.
A royal source claimed that Palace officials had repeatedly asked Harry for clarity over whether he planned to accept the offer to stay at a royal residence. The source said he did not respond before the deadline, which had been set to allow staff enough time to prepare.
Harry later formally declined the invitation, before reportedly changing his mind, the source added.
However, Harry’s spokesperson said the Duke had not been able to accept the accommodation offer immediately because he was working on alternative security arrangements after the government decided not to provide protection.
Harry is in the UK for a series of charity engagements in London and Birmingham.
He is also expected to be in the country as he awaits the outcome of a UK court case against the publisher of the Daily Mail, which involves allegations of unlawful behaviour.
