King Charles’ ‘blunt’ move leaves Prince Harry ‘shocked’

When news broke that Prince Harry was preparing to return to the UK to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games earlier this month, excitement grew that the visit might pave the way for a reconciliation with his father, King Charles.

However, hopes for a royal reunion were quickly dashed when reports revealed that the King was unable to meet with his son due to “other priorities”.

While Harry attended to his responsibilities with the Invictus Games and later met with his wife, Meghan Markle, in Nigeria, royal author Tom Quinn believes that, behind closed doors, Harry found his father’s move “particularly painful”.

“He was deeply shocked at his father’s blunt refusal to see him even for a moment,” Quinn told The Mirror.

“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.”

Despite reportedly being shocked by the move, Harry’s team expressed understanding of the King’s busy schedule with a spokesperson for Prince Harry confirming that the meeting would not be going ahead.

“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 programme,” the spokesperson said on Tuesday, May 7.

“The duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”

Prince Harry, along with his wife Meghan, have found themselves at odds with the Royal Family since their decision to step down from official duties in 2020. The couple’s relocation to Los Angeles and continued public attacks aimed at The Firm has only widened the gulf between them and the rest of the royals, with reports suggesting that Harry is barely on speaking terms with his elder brother, Prince William, the heir to the throne.