A spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex, 39, says, “In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not The Duke will meet with his father while in the U.K. 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.”
King Charles, aged 75, has recently resumed his public royal duties after spending several months primarily working behind the scenes due to his cancer diagnosis and treatment.
On May 7, the monarch held an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he welcomed the Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka. Additionally, Buckingham Palace is preparing to host the first garden party of the season on May 8, although it remains uncertain which members of the royal family will be in attendance.
Prince Harry returned to his homeland to partake in the celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, which had its inaugural competition for wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans a decade ago in London.
The anniversary is being commemorated with a panel discussion on Tuesday and a service at St. Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday, during which Harry will deliver a reading, while actor Damian Lewis, known for his role in “Homeland,” will recite the Invictus poem. (William Henley, the poet behind the work, is honored with a memorial bust in the Crypt of the cathedral.)
The Duke of Sussex’s most recent visit to the UK was in February, following the news of King Charles’ cancer diagnosis. Prince Harry flew from California to visit his father at Clarence House in London, where they had a brief private meeting.
A royal source disclosed that there were “no plans” for brothers Prince Harry and Prince William to meet during the Duke of Sussex’s visit to the UK in February. This decision was made as Kate Middleton was recovering from abdominal surgery she underwent in January.
On March 22, it was revealed by the Princess of Wales that post-operative tests following the procedure indicated the presence of cancer, prompting her to commence chemotherapy.
Speaking about the reunion with his father on Good Morning America shortly after, Prince Harry was asked how he first learned about the monarch’s cancer news. He replied, “I spoke to him. I jumped on a plane and went to go see him as soon as I could.”
“Look, I love my family. The fact that I was able to get on a plane and go and see him and spend any time with him, I’m grateful for that,” Harry said in the interview.
Regarding his outlook on the King’s health, Prince Harry said, “That stays between me and him.”
As for whether King Charles’ diagnosis could have a “reunifying effect” on the royal family, Harry, who was connecting with Invictus Games competitors and their families in Canada at the Winter Training Camp at the time, said: “Absolutely. Yeah, I’m sure. Throughout all these families, I see it on a day-to-day basis, the strength of the family unit coming together.”
“I have my own family, as we all do,” he continued. “My family and my life in California is as it is. I’ve got other trips planned that would take me through the U.K. or back to the U.K., so I’ll stop in and see my family as much as I can.”
