King Charles 'did offer Prince Harry a Royal residence to stay in' but he 'turned it down'

Despite reports to the contrary, King Charles did indeed offer his son, Prince Harry, accommodation in a Royal residence during his recent UK visit, but the Duke of Sussex declined the offer, according to insiders.

Prince Harry returned to London last Tuesday from California for the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games and attended a service at St Paul's Cathedral on Wednesday.

It is understood that the Duke chose to stay in a hotel during his brief visit to the UK, following the return of the keys to Frogmore Cottage last summer after he and Meghan Markle were asked to leave their English home.

Sources suggest that King Charles offered his son accommodation knowing that he no longer had an official residence in the UK, but Prince Harry opted for a hotel stay instead, as reported by The Sunday Times, writes the Mirror.

Speculation about a possible meeting between King Charles and Price Harry during his recent visit to London was put to rest last Tuesday when it was revealed that the King's packed schedule could not accommodate such a visit.

A spokesperson for the Duke stated: "It, unfortunately, will not be possible due to His Majesty's full programme. The Duke of course is understanding of his father's diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon."

In response to reports that closer proximity at a Royal residence would have facilitated a meeting, sources close to Harry argue that he made substantial efforts to arrange time with King Charles. However, contrasting reports suggest Harry did not request a meeting or extend an invitation to the Invictus Games - according to a friend of the King.

The drama has left those close to the situation dispirited. As one of King Charles' friends lamented to the Sunday Times: "While it is true that the King is understandably wary about meeting with Harry, given the publicity circus that seems to surround all such visits, he did of course agree to see his son at the most vulnerable moment of his illness [in February], and at very short notice."

"While he was hardly going to roll out the red carpet the moment this Invictus trip was announced, with doctors advising him to focus on his treatment and recovery, the idea that he refused to find space in his diary ... well, let's say recollections may vary once again."

Get the latest celebrity gossip and telly news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily Showbiz newsletter here.