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The ins and outs of royal protocol came to light recently when Prince Harry embarked on a trip to his homeland. According to The Telegraph, during his sojourn in the UK, the Duke of Suss*x sought to stay at Windsor Castle. Unfortunately, he learned that even a prince cannot make last-minute accommodation requests within the royal household.
This September, the world had its eyes on Prince Harry as he graced the WellChild Awards on September 7th in London. These awards stand as a testament to the unwavering spirit of London's seriously ill children, shining a spotlight on their commendable resilience. The award ceremony was particularly close to Prince Harry's heart, as he has been a long-time patron of the WellChild charity.
However, Harry's journey was riddled with some unexpected challenges. His intent to seek solace at Windsor Castle, following his participation in the award event, was met with a slight hiccup. The royal property had no vacant slots on such abrupt notice. This revelation led to Buckingham Palace emphasizing the importance of a "formal request" for Prince Harry. The suggestion was clear: should he wish to visit his father, King Charles, a prior notification is imperative.
Royal Protocols and Personal Commitments
This directive has underpinnings in the fact that during Harry's UK trip, King Charles, alongside Queen Camilla, had retreated to Balmoral. The duo was observing a private commemoration, marking the first year since the poignant demise of Queen Elizabeth II.
Despite the momentary setback, the Duke navigated the situation with grace. His commitments in London saw him attending the event solo. Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Suss*x, remained in the US, holding the fort and caring for their children, Archie and Lilibet. However, the royal pair later reunited with enthusiasm and fervor in Dusseldorf, Germany, geared up for the Invictus Games 2023 - a passionate endeavor close to both their hearts.
All in all, this incident underscores the intricate dance of royal etiquette and the importance of forethought, even for a prince.