Prince Harry returns to London for the Invictus Games 10th anniversary but will stay in a hotel rather than Buckingham Palace, sparking debate about his relationship with the royal family

Prince Harry is set to return to the UK this Wednesday for the Invictus Games’ 10-Year Anniversary reception at St. Paul’s Cathedral but will reportedly stay in a hotel rather than Buckingham Palace. The Duke of Sussex no longer maintains a residence in the country and has stayed in hotels on previous visits.

Royal commentator Mark Dolan believes Harry should be welcomed as a guest of honour at Buckingham Palace, arguing that the Duke should enjoy his father’s hospitality, King Charles III. He feels Harry and the king, currently undergoing cancer treatment, should spend “many hours together” and suggested that the two could reconnect.

Harry briefly returned to London in February to meet his father following the king’s diagnosis, opting to stay in a hotel during his stay. No senior royals are expected to attend the Invictus Games reception this time, further emphasizing Harry’s changed relationship with the royal family.

Meghan Markle will not accompany Harry on this trip, continuing her absence from the UK since Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022. The couple has only brought their children to Britain once since moving to the US.

Despite the strained relationship with Buckingham Palace, Harry remains deeply committed to his causes, especially the Invictus Games, which he founded to support injured veterans.