Prince Harry was left dumbfounded by King Charles’ refusal to meet with him during his recent drop in to the UK. The Duke of Sussex found his Dad’s snub particularly difficult to come to terms with as “everyone knows the real reason”.
A leading royal commentator has suggested the rejection was a “painful” pill to swallow for the 39-year-old who, during his recent visit to the capital for the Invictus Games’ tenth anniversary, did not get the warm welcome he might have expected from his father. Despite the rumour mill suggesting a father-son reunion may be on the cards in the wake of King Charles III’s cancer diagnosis, the US-based royal did not reconnect with the King.
Harry’s team put out a statement clarifying the situation. A spokesperson 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 program”. “The Duke, of course, is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”
But, royal commentator Tom Quinn told The Mirror that Harry is particularly upset by his dad’s public shunning. Mr Quinn said: “He was deeply shocked at his father’s blunt refusal to see him even for a moment. “This time the rejection was particularly painful because it was so public – Harry may have issued a statement saying he completely understood why his father didn’t have time to see him, but everyone knows the real reason had nothing to do with busy schedules.”
Harry was in the capital, only miles from his father, for three days and reportedly had to stay in a hotel, as he was turned away from the Royal Family’s residences. The Times reported that the California royal lodged an advanced “request” to see the King, as Royal protocols require him to give at least 28 days’ notice.
However, Palace sources claimed Harry “changed his mind” about staying in one of London’s royal estates, and did not put in a request to meet his Dad. While Harry was in London, the King had a hectic schedule, meeting PM Rishi Sunak for his weekly audience as well as popping in to a military barracks. He also threw a Palace garden party, which it is said Harry didn’t get an invite to.
