Prince Harry denies blocking King Charles' from gifting Archie £18k birthday present
Prince Harry has reportedly denied claims that he's preventing King Charles from giving his son, Archie, a birthday present.
It's been suggested that the King wanted to gift his grandson a unique playhouse worth around £18,000, but Harry and Meghan Markle are said to be against it, which has been shut down by a source close to the Sussexes.
Author Tom Quinn previously revealed that King Charles had proposed gifting Archie a shepherd's hut playhouse, complete with bunks and bookshelves. The Royal expert shared that the King had previously given Prince William's son, Prince George, a similar gift, in an effort to show equal affection for all his grandchildren.
However, Tom alleged that Meghan wants Archie to associate his birthday "with all things American" as he is "constantly asking" about his Royal Family in the UK. He told The Mirror that Archie is fascinated by the idea that his grandad lives in a castle and Meghan fears a similar extravagant gift could further pique her son's interest in his Royal heritage.
A source close to Harry and Meghan has refuted these allegations. OK! has reached out to Harry, Meghan and King Charles for comment.
Tom said: "Charles also suggested that he give Archie a playhouse not a plastic child's playhouse, but a superb hand-made shepherd's hut, complete with bunks and bookshelves. Charles hates the idea that Harry might think he favours one grandchild over another and he has already given Prince George a similar hut which reputedly cost a cool £18,000.
"He would love to give Archie something similar but knows that Meghan and Harry are against it. Meghan wants Archie to associate his birthday with all things American because Archie is already constantly asking about his royal family in the UK.
"Archie loves the idea that his grandad lives in a castle and Meghan is worried that a magnificent shepherd's hut or similar extravagant present will only increase Archie's growing interest in his royal connections."
The news comes as Harry has travelled back to the UK to commemorate the ten-year anniversary of the Invictus Games. He has not been joined on the trip by his wife Meghan Markle or their children, Archie and Lilibet.
This week, it has been confirmed that Harry will not meet his father, Charles, during the trip. A spokesperson for Harry said: “In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not the duke will meet with his father while in the UK this week, it unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full programme.
“The duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”
