Prince Harry ‘denied room at Windsor Castle because he didn’t give enough notice’

Prince Harry had to stay in a hotel because he did not give enough notice to get a room at Windsor Castle, royal sources have said.

The Duke of Sussex flew to London for the WellChild Awards at the beginning of this month and reportedly asked to stay at Windsor – or any other royal home.

Harry wanted to stay at Windsor specifically so he could visit the nearby resting place of his grandma, Queen Elizabeth II, who is buried at St George’s Chapel.

But he was told that he had left it too late for this to be possible, those quoted by The Telegraph said.

Harry first contacted Buckingham Palace when he confirmed he was attending the ceremony to ‘celebrate the inspirational qualities of the UK’s seriously ill children and young people’.

Staying in a hotel would have been complicated in terms of organising security for Harry, which has caused much drama in the past.

It is believed that Windsor was Harry’s second choice, after initially asking if it was possible to stay with his dad, King Charles.

The Palace had reportedly said he was welcome to join Charles at Balmoral but ‘both sides acknowledged that it was simply not feasible given the timings’.

Harry would have had to use a helicopter or private jet to get to Scotland and would not have much time with his dad once there, because of their diaries.

This month’s visit is the Duke’s first since he and his family were evicted from Frogmore Cottage.

Harry and Meghan previously confirmed that a ‘request’ was made by King Charles – with sources saying it was a direct result of Harry’s autobiography Spare ‘crossing a line’.

The Duke is next expected in the country in January, when his case against the News Group Newspapers will be heard at the High Court.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.