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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly been offered use of Princess Diana’s childhood home
‘Earl Spencer promised’: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could move into Princess Diana’s former home Althorp
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly been offered use of Princess Diana’s childhood home Althorp as a temporary new UK base following their eviction from Frogmore Cottage.
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Prince Harry’s uncle Earl Spencer has reportedly offered the Sussexes use of Althorp House as a temporary new UK base following their eviction from Frogmore Cottage.
Charles Spencer, the ninth Earl Spencer inherited Princess Diana’s childhood home Althorp, which is also where the late Princess is buried.
It is understood that Harry made a discreet visit to the property, located in leafy Northamptonshire an hour outside London, during a recent trip to the UK.
Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner believes Althorp could become a “secure temporary location for Harry and (his) family if they decide to return to Britain.”
Althorp was Diana and her brother Earl Spencer’s childhood home. Picture: Supplied.
“Earl Spencer promised at the funeral of his sister Diana… to constantly look after his nephews William and Harry,” he told Fox News digital.
“It is no surprise to me that Harry stayed at Althorp recently because they have been very close since that time.”
Set over 13,000 acres, Althorp contains 28 listed buildings and structures in addition to the main house and rivals some official royal residences in size and opulence.
Harry and Meghan have officially been without a home in the United Kingdom since King Charles evicted the Sussexes’ from their former residence Frogmore Cottage days after Harry’s memoir Spare hit bookshelves.
Prince William reportedly asked Earl Spencer to convince Harry to call off the wedding. Picture by Chris Jackson/Getty Images.
Prince William reportedly asked Earl Spencer to convince Harry to call off the wedding. Picture by Chris Jackson/Getty Images.
In addition to offering the Sussexes’ use of Althorp as a base, Mr Turner claimed Earl Spencer is trying to mediate between Harry and Prince William “behind the scenes”.
“Harry can rely upon Earl Spencer. And no doubt, behind the scenes, (Earl Spencer) has been trying to build bridges with the brothers,” he said.
The Earl’s surprising role in mediating between the warring brothers comes after royal author Tom Bower revealed that William once convinced Spencer to warn Harry against marrying Markle.
Harry and Meghan have been without a UK base since losing Frogmore Cottage. Picture by Dominic Lipinski – Pool /Getty Images.
Harry and Meghan have been without a UK base since losing Frogmore Cottage.
According to Mr Bower, a concerned William stepped in before the Sussexes’ 2018 wedding and encouraged their uncle to convince Harry to slow down the courtship with Markle.
“Their unease was voiced by Charles Spencer, Diana’s brother,” he wrote.
“At William’s request, Spencer weighed in. Three times married, Spencer cautioned his nephew to reconsider his haste towards marriage. His advice provoked a bitter reaction.”