Prince Harry is reportedly poised to turn down an invitation to stay at Buckingham Palace during his upcoming trip to the UK. A royal commentator suggested the decision may serve as a symbolic protest against the Royal Family.
Prince Harry returning to London in February
The Duke of Sussex is scheduled to return to London next month to testify in his ongoing legal battle against News Group Newspapers (NGN), the publisher of The Sun. Alongside former Labour deputy leader Lord Tom Watson, Harry is suing NGN for alleged unlawful information-gathering, including phone hacking. NGN denies all allegations of wrongdoing.
The trial, expected to span seven weeks, will see Harry cross-examined by the newspaper group’s legal team. During his last court appearance in 2023, the Duke reportedly rejected an offer to stay at Buckingham Palace, opting instead for a hotel. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams believes this pattern is likely to continue.
Speaking to GB News, Fitzwilliams remarked, “We do know that Buckingham Palace was offered for the last visit and rejected in favor of a hotel. That’s never been explained. It’s obviously part of a protest.” He added that Harry remains deeply committed to holding the British press accountable, describing the lawsuit as part of his “mission of cleaning up the British press.”
Harry’s allegations against NGN center on claims of invasive practices, with the Duke accusing the publisher of engaging in unlawful activities. While NGN has previously settled numerous lawsuits related to the now-defunct News of the World, the company continues to contest Harry’s claims and denies any wrongdoing by staff at The Sun. In a 2022 speech, Harry emphasized the importance of pursuing the case for “accountability,” noting that many claimants had settled because they felt compelled to do so.
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, visited the Pasadena Convention Center on Friday, where evacuees of the Eaton Fire are sheltering. Celebrity chefs José Andrés of World Central Kitchen and Roy Choi were also on hand serving meals. pic.twitter.com/op4jP2xgAg
— CBS News (@CBSNews) January 11, 2025
LA fires hit close to home for Harry & Meghan
Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been making headlines in the United States. The couple recently visited a meal distribution center in Pasadena, California, to support wildfire victims. Partnering with World Central Kitchen, the pair donated supplies and personally thanked first responders and volunteers for their efforts.
Having relocated to Montecito in 2020, Harry and Meghan continue to focus on charitable endeavors through their Archewell Foundation. Their recent activities highlight their ongoing commitment to community support, even as Harry navigates high-profile legal challenges in the UK.
