Prince Harry’s royal reunion denied: King Charles brushes off son amid ‘other priorities’

Prince Harry’s anticipated reunion with his father, King Charles, has been dashed, reportedly due to the Monarch’s busy schedule.

Harry recently returned to the UK to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, however, he will not have the opportunity to meet with his father, marking yet another strain in their already fraught relationship.

Prince Harry, along with his wife Meghan Markle, 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.

Speculation was rife that Harry’s visit might pave the way for a reconciliation with his father, especially given the latter’s health issues. King Charles, 75, was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, prompting a brief reunion with his son in February.

However, hopes for a continued thaw in their relationship have been dashed as a spokesperson for Prince Harry confirmed that a meeting between father and son will not be possible this time around.

“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.”

While Harry’s team expressed understanding for the King’s busy schedule, the decision to forgo a meeting with his own son has raised eyebrows and stirred commentary among royal experts.

Renowned royal commentator Michael Cole characterised the development as a “right royal flea in the ear” from King Charles to Prince Harry.

“Harry will have got the message that he has got the brush off,” Cole told GB News.

“A lot of people will say about time and rightly so.”

Cole described the King’s decision as “extraordinary”, highlighting the significance of the Monarch declining to meet with his own son, who holds the title of fifth in line to the throne. He noted that such a move sends a clear message, echoing the repercussions of the remarks made by Harry and Meghan in recent years.

“This is a right royal flea in the ear from the King to his youngest son, fifth in line to the throne, Prince Harry,” he said.

“It’s extraordinary, this is big medicine, for the King to say ‘my diary is too full’, that is the sort of thing you say to people you hardly know.

“In this world, words have consequences and the thing Harry and Meghan have been saying over the years have gone home to not only the King, but Queen Camilla, Prince William and Princess Kate.”

The absence of a meeting between Prince Harry and King Charles underscores the deep-seated tensions within the Royal Family, suggesting that the path to reconciliation remains elusive, at least for now.

Prince Harry, along with his wife Meghan Markle, 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.