Prince Harry will not meet King Charles during fleeting UK visit in major snub

Prince Harry will not meet with his father King Charles during his fleeting trip to the UK - but hopes to see him soon, his spokesperson has said.

Harry has travelled from his home in California, arriving in London on Tuesday, in order to attend a service at St Paul's Cathedral on Wednesday to mark the 10th anniversary of his Invictus Games, which he set up for injured servicemen and women to compete in a variety of sports. During his visit to the UK, it had been thought he could meet with his father, with whom he has a rocky bond, but it seems it is not possible.

Father and son have had a rocky bond
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

A spokesperson for the Duke said: "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."

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Harry arrived in the capital on Tuesday, travelling without his wife Meghan Markle or their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. It is believed he is undertaking several Invictus Games commitments on Tuesday afternoon and has been seen visiting Armoury House in East London, where he took part in a panel discussion hosted by former BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin at a one-day summit, called the Invictus Games Foundation Conversation.

It is less than a mile from where Queen Camilla is carrying out an engagement at a primary school, where she is unveiling a Coronation Library. Earlier on Tuesday, the King was also seen leaving Windsor Castle to head to London, where he has been holding audiences at Buckingham Palace. On Wednesday, he is expected to be at a Buckingham Palace garden party - just days after his return to public duties amid his cancer treatment.

Harry has had a frosty relationship with his dad, especially since he was highly critical of his royal relatives in his controversial memoir Spare - and was particularly scathing about his stepmother Camilla. But according to sources, the monarch had been keen to see his son, who now lives in California.

Prince Harry seen in London today

A source said last week: "Harry has kept in regular contact with his father on several occasions and made no secret of his desire to see him when he can. He has been especially concerned about him and hopes the King will be well and able to see him as planned."

Harry's trip to the UK is his second to the UK this year, after February's trip to see his dad a day after it was announced Charles had cancer. Harry managed to see his ailing father for just 30 minutes at Clarence House. It marked a healing step in their relationship that was dented after Harry and Meghan quit royal life in 2020 and moved to the US. In a recent US TV interview, Harry said he hoped the King's ­diagnosis can have a "reunifying effect" on the family.

A reunion with his estranged older brother Prince William also does not seem to be on the cards. An insider said: "Their relationship remains extremely fractured. Harry has privately expressed a wish to sit down with his brother but now is not the time."

Harry will meet up with Meghan later in the week when the pair embark on a tour of Nigeria, where they are expected to meet with military staff.

The service at St Paul's is scheduled two days after Harry's son Prince Archie celebrates his fifth birthday. Actor Damian Lewis is set to recite the Invictus poem during the service. Representatives from Invictus Games participating nations, including members of the wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veteran community, will also be in attendance.

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