Prince Harry reportedly stayed near his brother Prince William during his recent visit to the UK, hoping it might help mend their relationship. He stayed at the Coworth Park hotel in Ascot, Berkshire, during his short trip for a High Court hearing about his police protection.
The hotel is very close to William and Kate’s home at Adelaide Cottage, inside Windsor Castle’s private estate, which some believe wasn’t just a coincidence. It’s also the same hotel where Harry stayed the night before his wedding to Meghan in 2018.
Even though he was nearby, there were no reported meetings with William, Kate, their children, or King Charles, who was busy preparing for a state visit to Italy with Queen Camilla. Instead, Harry was seen out with old school friends and former military mates during his four-day stay.
Sources close to Harry say he chose the hotel on purpose and made sure William and Kate were told through security staff, hoping it would be seen as a sign that he wants to fix things between them. One insider said Harry truly wants to reconnect and at least start talking again. They also mentioned that Harry and his family haven’t had a proper conversation since the time they briefly saw each other around the Queen’s death.
A source added that Harry being so close physically to his brother felt like his way of saying, “I’m here — maybe we can try to fix this?” Some of Harry’s friends believe he genuinely wants peace and to be on speaking terms again.
However, there’s a big obstacle. Many believe that because Harry and Meghan have spoken publicly — including on TV and in their Netflix series — about their issues with the Royal Family, too much damage has been done. While Harry may have felt it was important to speak his truth, his brother and father don’t see it the same way. To them, certain lines were crossed, and things can’t go back to how they were ten years ago.
Harry’s visit to London was also to challenge the decision by the Home Office to stop his free police protection in the UK. He said the decision puts his family at risk and that proper security is needed whenever they come to Britain.
But a government lawyer argued in court that Harry’s situation is different now since he’s no longer a working royal. The lawyer, Sir James Eadie KC, said that the security arrangements should reflect that change and be flexible, not automatic.
