Prince Harry’s Althorp Stay Explained After Palace Accommodation Was Withdrawn
Prince Harry’s decision to stay at the Spencer family estate during his recent visit to the United Kingdom has sparked fresh discussion after Meghan Markle’s latest social media post revealed new details about the Sussexes trip.
The Duchess of Sussex recently shared a series of family photographs on Instagram, including images that appeared to confirm Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet spent time at Althorp, the childhood home of Princess Diana.
Following the post, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams shared his views on why Prince Harry chose to stay at Earl Charles Spencer’s estate rather than at a royal residence during the family’s visit.
According to Fitzwilliams, the connection between the Royal Family and the Spencer family has remained cordial over the years, but Prince Harry could always expect a warmer reception from his late mother’s relatives.
“The Windsors and the Spencers have a superficially polite relationship,” Fitzwilliams explained while discussing the Duke of Sussex’s decision to stay at Althorp.
The royal expert added that it had long been expected the California-based Sussexes would choose the Spencer family over royal residences whenever they returned to Britain.
“Whatever reception they receive from the Royal Family, they can be assured of a warm welcome and moral support from the Spencers,” Fitzwilliams said, describing the close bond between Prince Harry and his mother’s family.
He also suggested that Althorp gives the Sussexes a trusted place to stay whenever they travel to the United Kingdom. “The Sussexes have an ally in Britain which they can use as and when they choose to return,” the expert added.
Reports also claimed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had previously been offered accommodation at a royal residence. However, the opportunity reportedly disappeared after a delayed response from the couple.
According to the reports, an invitation to stay at Buckingham Palace was later withdrawn, leaving the Sussexes without accommodation connected to King Charles during their visit.
Instead, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and their children are said to have found comfort at the Spencer family’s 13,000-acre Althorp estate in Northamptonshire, where Princess Diana spent much of her childhood.
The reported visit also carried deep personal meaning for the Duke of Sussex. During the trip, Prince Harry is said to have taken Archie and Lilibet to Princess Diana’s final resting place while also ensuring they reunited with King Charles during the same visit.
Despite ongoing family tensions, the reported itinerary was viewed by some as a sign that Harry wanted to honour both sides of his family. The visit allowed his children to spend time with their grandfather while also connecting with the legacy of their late grandmother.
Meghan Markle reportedly travelled quietly to Britain with Archie and Lilibet because of continuing security concerns. The family is understood to have stayed at Althorp throughout the visit, using the estate as their base during their time in the UK.
Richard Fitzwilliams also commented on Prince William and Princess Kate’s decision to remain away from the Sussexes during the trip. “He feels betrayed because of Spare and the other interviews… So that’s his view, and he made it clear during polo at that time… It’s obvious. They haven’t spoken for years,” the royal expert said, suggesting the distance between the brothers remains unchanged despite recent reconciliation efforts involving King Charles.
