Prince Harry denies reports of accommodation and security offers from Buckingham Palace as he prepares for his trial.

Prince Harry has emphatically denied claims that Buckingham Palace extended an offer of accommodation for his upcoming visit to the UK. The Duke of Sussex, who is preparing to testify in his high-profile court case against News Group Newspapers (NGN), the publisher of The Sun, also dismissed reports suggesting he would be granted “limited police protection” during his stay.

The Duke, who will be appearing in court in February to provide evidence in his lawsuit against NGN, is accusing the publisher of phone hacking and other privacy breaches between 1996 and 2011. NGN has strongly denied any wrongdoing in the case. However, as the trial approaches, the details surrounding Harry’s visit have sparked media speculation.

Among these speculations, reports emerged from several outlets, including The Mirror, claiming that Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley had arranged for armed protection officers from the Royalty and Specialist Protection Command to ensure Harry’s safety during his UK trip. Additionally, an unnamed source allegedly told The Mirror that Buckingham Palace had offered to accommodate the Duke while he was in the country, a gesture Harry has now unequivocally rejected.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams weighed in on the matter, suggesting that Harry’s decision to decline the Palace’s offer might be a deliberate “protest.” Fitzwilliams speculated that the Duke’s relationship with the institution could have influenced his choice to seek hotel accommodation instead, as he did when attending a previous court appearance in 2023.

This latest development comes at a time when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue to navigate tensions with the British royal family, particularly surrounding their public and legal battles. Prince Harry has been outspoken about his strained relationship with certain members of the royal family, and his decision to refuse the offer of staying at Buckingham Palace seems to reinforce his desire to maintain a degree of separation from the monarchy during his legal proceedings.

Harry’s refusal to accept accommodation at the Palace, alongside his rejection of the reported police protection, adds further layers to the ongoing narrative surrounding his complicated relationship with the UK monarchy. As his trial against NGN continues, the eyes of the media remain firmly fixed on his every move, awaiting further developments in both his legal and personal journey.