Prince Harry has returned to the UK to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, an event celebrating the resilience of wounded and injured service members. However, his visit will not include a meeting with King Charles III or Prince William due to scheduling conflicts.
According to a spokesman for the Duke of Sussex, the absence of a family reunion during this visit is due to the King’s “full programme” of engagements. “The duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon,” the spokesman stated.
This visit follows Prince Harry’s trip in February when he last met the King, shortly after his diagnosis with cancer. Since then, King Charles has been gradually returning to public duties, following his medical team’s advice to avoid large gatherings during his ongoing treatment.
The focal point of Prince Harry’s visit is a service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, where he will give a reading. The event will also feature actor Damian Lewis, who is set to recite a poem. Notably, no other senior members of the Royal Family will be attending the service. Prince William is absent from the Invictus event, and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, is currently undergoing treatment for cancer.
Following his commitments in London, Prince Harry, alongside Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, will travel to Nigeria. This visit comes at the invitation of Nigeria’s chief of defence staff, a connection made during last year’s Invictus Games in Germany.
As the royal family navigates through health challenges and busy schedules, the absence of a royal gathering during Prince Harry’s visit highlights the ongoing balancing act between public duties and private family time.