Duke of Sussex's surprise UK visit sparks tension during monarch’s diplomatic trip
Harry’s unannounced return to the United Kingdom has reportedly sparked frustration within the Palace, as his high-profile legal proceedings coincided with King Charles’ state visit to Italy.
The Duke of Sussex quietly arrived in London over the weekend and spent two days at the Royal Courts of Justice, where he appealed the dismissal of his legal challenge against the Home Office. The case concerns the decision by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAVEC) to downgrade his taxpayer-funded police protection following his 2020 royal exit.
What has stirred unease among royal insiders is the timing of Harry’s court appearance, which overlapped with the King's carefully planned diplomatic tour in Rome. According to The Daily Mail’s Richard Kay, sources close to the monarch described the Duke’s visit as a distraction at a time when the focus was intended to be on the King’s engagements abroad.
One insider remarked, “It’s an unwritten rule that when the monarch is on an official visit, the rest of the family avoids doing anything that draws attention. Has Harry forgotten everything about royal life?”
The visit also comes amid ongoing tension between father and son. Harry is believed to have last seen King Charles over a year ago, following the public announcement of the King’s cancer diagnosis. No meeting between the two was reported during this latest visit.
