Prince Harry (41) traveled to his homeland London on Monday for a multi-day visit - without his wife Meghan (44) and their children Archie (7) and Lilibet (5). Among other things, the visit concerns preparations for the Invictus Games in Birmingham next year. Meanwhile, his birth family, the working members of the Royal Family, are said to have numerous appointments scheduled this week.
More than 29 commitments on the calendar
Between Harry's arrival on Monday and his last public appearances on Saturday, according to Mail Online, there are already more than 29 official appointments in the working royals' calendars. Nearly all senior members of the Royal Family are said to be in action, with most commitments planned long in advance. In addition, there are several private audiences and meetings by King Charles III (77) that do not appear in the official schedule in advance.
The publicly accessible calendar shows numerous appointments for Princess Anne (75) and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
Meghan and the children remain in Europe
Over the weekend, a spokesman for the Duke of Sussex announced that Harry would now travel to London without his family after all. The security arrangements offered were not sufficient for his relatives. According to the report, the family, who live in California, are staying at an undisclosed location on the European mainland. However, it is not ruled out that Meghan and the children might join his Great Britain trip later outside of London.
The trigger for the decision is said to have been the notification that the committee responsible for police protection at the British Home Office had postponed a renewed review of Harry's security situation.
Harry won't sleep at Buckingham Palace after all
On Monday morning, meanwhile, news caused a stir that Prince Harry will not be able to stay at Buckingham Palace during his time in London after all.
As the BBC reported, citing palace sources, Harry had not accepted the offer of accommodation at a royal residence by the deadline - the deadline expired at the end of last week. He was informed over the weekend that an overnight stay at Buckingham Palace was no longer possible. Harry's spokesman said he had formally accepted the offer over the weekend, but it had been withdrawn at the last moment.
Appointments in the Midlands and a visit to Althorp
Harry is completing several solo appointments this week. Commitments in the Midlands are planned for Friday and Saturday, after which he wants to visit family and friends. A side trip to Althorp in Northamptonshire, the family seat of his late mother Princess Diana (1961-1997), is also planned to visit her grave.
So it remains open whether his children will meet their grandfather. King Charles last saw Archie and Lilibet in 2022, when they were three years old and one year old respectively.
