Prince Harry has spent a lot of time in court arguing about his safety when visiting the United Kingdom with his family, so this new report is leaving a lot of royal watchers confused. A source claims Harry turned down an offer King Charles made him to stay in Buckingham Palace during a recent trip to London, choosing to stay in a hotel instead. But wait — wouldn't he have had more privacy at the palace than he did at a hotel?
More from CafeMom: Kate Middleton's Cancer Battle Has Reportedly Been 'Tougher' Than Anyone Realizes
King Charles reportedly offered Harry the use of apartments at the palace in May.
This was when Harry was in town to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. According to what a royal insider told the Times, Charles was nearby at Clarence House and allowed Harry the use of the apartments, but he decided against staying at the palace, opting for a hotel instead.
Charles reportedly wanted Harry to be nearby so he could see him.
A statement from the palace that was released at the time confirmed that Charles' schedule was too full to see Harry while he was in town.
“The duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities, and hopes to see him soon," the statement read.
Apparently, Charles hoped that by extending the offer, he'd be able to squeeze in a visit with his son, but Harry didn't bite.
Given Harry's desire for safety, insiders were confused that he'd turn down the offer.
"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," a source said. "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."
Harry has repeatedly stated that he doesn't believe wife Meghan Markle is safe in the UK as he continues to fight for stronger protections in court.
"It’s still dangerous, and all it takes is one lone actor, one person who reads this stuff to act on what they have read," Harry said in an interview for ITV's Tabloids on Trial documentary.
More from CafeMom: Kate Middleton Strictly Forbids Her Kids From Shouting at All Times
A source said there wasn't anything else Charles could have done.
"He offered Harry to stay at Buckingham Palace but that it seems even that wasn’t good enough," the insider stated. "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."
At this point, Charles is reportedly feeling 'frustrated' about the situation.
As a source claiming to be close with Charles told the Times, the king is growing "frustrated" with Harry's ongoing security lawsuits, which certainly can't help their already strained relationship.
"His Majesty’s son is suing His Majesty’s government, and that is very tricky for the King," the insider said. "If they were to meet, there is a worry that son would lobby father because of the mistaken belief that the King has control over his security. For him not to have accepted the judgment of His Majesty’s government and courts is frustrating."
Check out our Meghan Markle page for all the latest news about Meghan, Prince Harry, and their growing family.
