Prince Harry’s decision not to visit his father, King Charles III, during his trip to the UK has sparked controversy and speculation among royal watchers. The Duke of Sussex has returned to attend a service of thanksgiving at St. Paul’s Cathedral to mark the tenth anniversary of the Invictus Games, but will not be meeting with his father due to the king’s busy schedule.
A spokesperson for Prince Harry stated that it was “not possible” for him to see his father, as King Charles III has a “full” schedule. This news comes amidst rumors of tension between the royal family members, particularly between Prince Harry and his brother, Prince William.
Meghan Markle, who has also opted not to join Harry on his trip to the UK, will be flying from the US to Nigeria to meet her husband immediately afterward. The Duchess of Sussex has only visited the UK briefly three times since officially leaving the royal family in 2020.
Despite speculation that King Charles III was hoping to reconcile the brothers during the event, it seems unlikely as Buckingham Palace announced that Prince William will be taking over Harry’s role as Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps. Sources have revealed that Harry extended invitations to his family as an olive branch, but none of the senior royals are expected to attend.
The latest royal snub has left many wondering about the state of the relationship between Prince Harry and his family, and whether reconciliation is on the horizon.