Prince Harry’s UK House Hunt Reflects Desire for Privacy and Family Reconnection
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is reportedly searching for a private residence in the United Kingdom, specifically eyeing properties near his father King Charles III’s Highgrove estate in Gloucestershire. This move, which appears to defy his wife Meghan Markle’s reservations, is seen as an attempt to facilitate short visits to his homeland and reconnect his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, with their royal relatives.
Royal expert Tom Quinn, speaking to The Mirror, revealed that Prince Harry has become “increasingly obsessed with his privacy” following his eviction from Frogmore Cottage last year. Quinn stated, “Apart from the security risks, Harry has become increasingly obsessed with his privacy and wants to be well away from prying eyes – that was the key reason he was so upset and angry when his father King Charles evicted him from Frogmore Cottage.”
The search for a new UK base has proven challenging for the prince, who is accustomed to living in well-protected residences away from public scrutiny. Quinn explained, “Harry has spent a lot of time trying to work out what sort of UK base he might have. He has no experience of living in anything other than well-protected houses that are also well away from the public, so he has a huge problem. Every house he looks at has drawbacks.”
Despite these challenges, Prince Harry appears determined to find a suitable property that offers both privacy and proximity to his father’s estate. Quinn noted, “With no chance of returning to any of the houses in the gift of his family, Harry has looked at buying the kind of secluded Georgian house in its own grounds that his father has at Highgrove in Gloucestershire.”
The Duke’s house-hunting efforts come amid reports that King Charles is eager to spend more time with his US-based grandchildren, who have had limited contact with their grandfather in recent months or even years. Quinn suggested that this desire for familial reconnection is a driving factor in Harry’s search, stating, “The idea of buying a house close to his father means he will be able to come to the UK for short periods with his children so they can have some kind of a relationship with their cousins and their grandfather.”
However, Prince Harry’s plans face several obstacles, chief among them being security concerns and the associated costs. Quinn highlighted this issue, saying, “The fly in the ointment is the fact that Harry doesn’t want to pay for security and he is convinced that a great deal of security would be necessary even if the house was close to his father’s home.”
Furthermore, the prince’s efforts to establish a UK base appear to be at odds with his wife Meghan Markle’s wishes. Reports suggest that the Duchess of Sussex is hesitant about returning to the UK due to persistent security issues and her negative experiences with the British media and public during her time as a working royal.
Quinn also pointed out the naivety in Prince Harry’s expectations following his departure from royal duties. “It never occurred to Harry that giving up being a working royal meant giving up the house, but then Harry has always been nothing if not naïve,” Quinn remarked.
As Prince Harry continues his search for a suitable UK residence, the complexities of balancing privacy, security, and familial relationships remain at the forefront of his efforts. The Duke’s determination to reconnect with his roots and provide his children with a sense of their royal heritage underscores the ongoing challenges and aspirations faced by the Sussexes.