Prince Harry chose to be in a hotel despite staying near King Charles, decided not to visit his father: Report

Prince Harry chose a hotel over a Royal residence during his UK visit for the Invictus Games ceremony. Despite high expectations for a reunion, King Charles III did not meet Harry, and there were conflicting reports on formal meeting requests.

Britain’s Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, gives a speech as he attends a Sit Out with Britain’s Meghan (unseen), Duchess of Sussex, at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters in Abuja on May 11, 2024 as they visit Nigeria as part of celebrations of Invictus Games anniversary. (Photo by Kola SULAIMON / AFP) (Kola SULAIMON / AFP)Premium

Britain’s Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, gives a speech as he attends a Sit Out with Britain’s Meghan (unseen), Duchess of Sussex, at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters in Abuja on May 11, 2024 as they visit Nigeria as part of celebrations of Invictus Games anniversary. (Photo by Kola SULAIMON / AFP) (Kola SULAIMON / AFP)

During his brief trip to the UK, Prince Harry initially considered staying at a Royal residence but ultimately chose a hotel, according to the Daily Mail. His visit coincided with an Invictus Games ceremony in London. While in the city, Harry stayed near his father, King Charles III, but did not visit him.

Also Read: King Charles won’t meet son Prince Harry due to ‘other priorities’ while Duke of Sussex reaches UK for Invictus Games
Expectations were high for a father-son reunion. According to his team, Harry had intended to see the King. On the other hand, sources close to the King claimed they received no prior notice from Harry about wanting to meet, the publication reported, even though the Duke of Sussex was requested to give details for his lodgings.

Some reports claim that the king was not officially invited to the Invictus Games. Royal protocol typically requires a 28-day notice for security arrangements, but this protocol was not followed. The King had approved Harry’s request to stay at a Royal property, as per the publication, but the visit did not happen.

Also Read: Prince Harry, snubbed by King Charles, sits next to ‘second father’ at Invictus Games
A spokesperson for Harry stated that a meeting between the father and the son was impossible due to the King’s busy schedule. The King was occupied with several engagements, including an event at Buckingham Palace and meetings with government officials.

Views contrast one another
Royal insiders, however, suggest that Harry’s camp never formally requested to meet.

Also Read: Prince Harry not allowed to meet King Charles alone; Queen Camilla thinks Duke of Sussex ‘can’t be trusted’
“While he [Charles] was hardly going to roll out the red carpet the moment this Invictus trip was announced, with doctors advising him to focus on his treatment and recovery, the idea that he refused to find space in his diary… well, let’s say recollections may vary once again,” the publication quoted a Royal source as saying.

One of Harry’s friends refused to buy the argument. “Even if they didn’t get a request, which I don’t believe, could His Majesty not have made a request to see his son? It was widely known he was coming,” the publication quoted the friend as saying.

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Published: 12 May 2024, 11:00 AM IST