Why Prince William Doesn't Want Harry 'Anywhere Near Windsor' as He Prepares for UK Return
Harry is expected to travel to Britain alone for the WellChild Awards later this year, and there's speculation of him being offered a stay at one of the royal palaces.
Prince Harry's next visit to the U.K. is already sparking fresh drama, and it is not because of the event he's attending, but because of where he may, or may not, stay. As the Duke of Sussex prepares to return to the UK for the WellChild Awards, a royal commentator has claimed that Prince William has no interest in having Harry and Meghan Markle anywhere near Windsor Castle, highlighting just how strained their relationship is believed to remain.
Speaking on TalkTV's The Jeremy Kyle Breakfast Show, royal commentator Kinsey Schofield shared what she described as William's firm position on the matter. Harry is expected to travel to Britain alone for the WellChild Awards later this year, and there's speculation of him being offered a stay at one of the royal palaces. However, according to Schofield, staying at Windsor Castle is reportedly not an option.
Schofield claimed that insiders have said that William made it abundantly clear that Harry and Markle cannot be offered accommodation anywhere near his family or at Windsor Castle. The royal expert elaborated that this signals that there hasn't been an inch of thawing between the brothers. According to Schofield, William's reported stance is rooted in his desire to avoid any interaction with Harry, particularly Markle—at what he considers his family's home base.
She also referred to earlier reports claiming that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had once asked the late Queen Elizabeth if they could live at Windsor Castle after stepping back from royal duties. Instead, the late monarch reportedly offered them Frogmore Cottage. Schofield claimed, "that Prince William has put his foot down and said he does not want them anywhere near Windsor," adding that if he stumbled upon Harry, he would not even acknowledge him.
While Windsor Castle is reportedly off the table, Buckingham Palace could become Harry's temporary home during his visit. Recent reports have suggested that King Charles may offer his younger son accommodation at the palace, following the controversy surrounding Harry's lodging arrangements during his previous visit to the U.K. During the conversation, Schofield rejected suggestions that such an arrangement would be any less significant.
She stressed that Buckingham Palace is not a downgrade, and if Harry accepts, he would once again be staying inside one of the most recognizable royal residences in the world. Earlier this month, Harry, Markle, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet reportedly held a private meeting with Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House. According to reports, William and Kate Middleton were not informed about the reunion until after it had taken place, despite being in the U.K. at the time.
Reportedly, William was furious that such a significant meeting went ahead without his knowledge, viewing the secrecy itself as a slight. While Harry's living arrangement remains unclear, one thing that is for sure is that the brothers' fractured relationship is still far from improving.
