Reports have emerged of a dispute between the camps of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and King Charles III over a missed meeting during Prince Harry’s recent trip to the UK. Prince Harry visited London to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games with a service at St Paul’s Cathedral. During this time, King Charles was hosting a garden party at Buckingham Palace, roughly two miles away.
Sources close to Prince Harry claim that he had requested to meet his father in advance of his trip from California. However, palace insiders allege that the King was not made aware of any such request and that no invitation was extended for the King to attend the Invictus service.
The situation has led to mutual briefings from both sides, suggesting a communication breakdown, with a palace source quoting “recollections may vary,” indicating differing perspectives on the situation. According to a spokesman for Prince Harry, the meeting was rendered impossible due to the King’s full schedule of commitments. The Duke of Sussex reportedly requires a 28-day notice for security arrangements for his visits, complicating last-minute plans.
This incident coincided with King Charles appointing Prince William as Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps, a role previously expected to be held by Prince Harry before his departure from royal duties and move to the US in 2020.
The lack of a reunion between Prince Harry and King Charles highlights ongoing tensions and the complex dynamics within the British Royal Family following significant changes in recent years. Both parties have expressed hopes for future meetings, suggesting an openness to reconciliation despite the recent misunderstandings.