Sykes noted that Buckingham Palace sources neither confirmed nor denied the reported invitation. However, he claimed the King is “acutely aware that his time is not infinite” and is prioritising time with his grandchildren, as well as repairing a family rift that could otherwise “come to define his reign”.

“From that vantage point, an offer of a bed at Highgrove is not weakness but an attempt to take control of events,” Sykes concluded.