Despite both being in London on Sunday, Prince Harry and King Charles did not reunite, missing what some hoped might be a rare opportunity for father and son to reconnect. King Charles, 76, arrived in the capital around 10:30 a.m. via royal helicopter, touching down at Kensington Palace ahead of his upcoming state visit to Italy.
Meanwhile, the Duke of Sussex landed in London at approximately 3 p.m., ahead of a scheduled court appearance to appeal the decision regarding his UK security arrangements. A palace source confirmed that Charles had a private appointment upon arrival, making it “not possible” for the pair to meet.
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward called the missed meeting a “shame,” particularly in light of recent developments involving Harry’s charity, Sentebale. “If they don’t see each other, it’s a shame because I think the King will be very concerned for his son about Sentebale,” Seward explained. “Even if your son has been rude or difficult, you’d still be troubled by him stepping away from something he created and cared so much about.”
She suggested that the issue could serve as a moment for potential healing between the two: “If there was ever an appropriate time for a few words of wisdom or a quiet conversation, this would be it.”
Seward went on to share her belief that while there may be tension, the true rift lies not between Harry and his father, but between the Duke and his brother, Prince William.
“I don’t think it’s his father he’s truly fallen out with. Charles is disappointed and perhaps frustrated by Harry’s behavior, but he’s not one for direct confrontation — much like his mother, the late Queen. I believe he’s been staying in the background of the situation.”
She added: “Charles still has sympathy for his son, especially where his charitable work is concerned. He understands the deep emotional and personal investment that goes into founding and supporting a cause. If anything could bring them together, it might be this.”
King Charles, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment, experienced a brief hospital stay recently after developing mild side effects from his ongoing therapy. Buckingham Palace reassured the public that the King’s recovery is progressing as expected, describing the episode as a “minor bump in the road.”
A statement at the time read: “Following scheduled and ongoing medical treatment for cancer this morning, The King experienced temporary side effects that required a short period of observation in hospital. His Majesty’s afternoon engagements were therefore postponed.”
The King has since returned to Clarence House and, as a precaution, his upcoming engagements have also been rescheduled. The Palace added that Charles wished to extend his apologies to those affected.
