The ongoing drama surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has taken a new twist, reaching the historic grounds of Althorp, the Spencer family’s ancestral estate.
Reports reveal that Louis Spencer, the Viscount of Althorp, is firmly against his cousin’s hopes of making this cherished location his home.
Despite Harry’s attempts to mend fences with his maternal relatives amid escalating tensions with the British royal family, it seems that finding solace within the Spencer clan may be more challenging than anticipated.
During a recent trip to the UK for the memorial service of his late uncle, Lord Robert Fellows, Harry stayed at Althorp.
While this gathering appeared to be a family reunion, insiders suggest that Harry may have developed a strong attachment to the estate, potentially viewing it as a new sanctuary.
This speculation arises particularly after he and Meghan were asked to vacate Frogmore Cottage earlier this year, leaving them in search of a new base.
Newsweek’s The Report podcast hints that Althorp could serve as a refuge for Harry, offering him a break from the relentless scrutiny he faces as a member of the royal family—even one living across the pond in America.
The estate holds deep personal significance for him, steeped in memories of his beloved mother, Princess Diana.
For Harry, Althorp symbolizes a retreat from the pressures of royal life, providing a sense of comfort that he desperately craves.
However, these possibilities for a peaceful existence might be short-lived due to Louis Spencer’s staunch opposition to any permanent arrangements for Harry and Meghan.
As the heir to Althorp, Louis is protective of his family’s legacy and seems unwilling to permit his cousin’s use of the estate, fearing it would attract unwelcome media attention and scrutiny.
Unlike Harry, who has embraced the spotlight, Louis has chosen a more subdued public persona, making it unlikely that he would tolerate any attempts by Harry to leverage the property for personal gain.
It’s crucial to recognize that Harry’s connection to Althorp is far from straightforward.
Though he shares a sentimental bond with the estate, his mother, Princess Diana, faced similar challenges during her time.
Paul Burrell, a former confidant of Diana, revealed that her brother, Charles Spencer, denied her request to live at Althorp, citing concerns about the family’s privacy.
Instead of welcoming her with open arms, Charles suggested a less secure alternative, highlighting the historical reluctance of the Spencer family to fully embrace their own.
Fast forward to today, and it appears that history is repeating itself.
Just as Charles kept Diana at arm’s length, Louis seems to be doing the same with Harry.
Despite Harry’s efforts to strengthen ties with the Spencer family, it appears that Viscount Althorp is not ready to extend a warm welcome without significant reservations.
Rumors are swirling that Wyrmleyton Manor may be proposed as an alternative residence for Harry.
This property, lacking modern security features and situated far from the elegance of Althorp, might serve as a way for the family to maintain distance from the former royal.
While it may not be the most desirable option, it reflects a desire to keep things at arm’s length.
Adding another layer to this complex family dynamic, some speculate that Charles Spencer may be using Harry as a pawn in his ongoing feud with the British monarchy.
The Spencers have long harbored resentment towards the royal family, and Charles might see an opportunity to position himself as a caring uncle while simultaneously drawing attention to Princess Diana’s legacy through his association with Harry.