Prince Harry will not meet with his father, King Charles III, during his current stay in Britain, the prince's spokesperson has confirmed.
A statement from a Sussex spokesperson read: "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 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 has recently returned to public-facing duties despite still undergoing treatment following a cancer diagnosis in February.
The Context
Prince Harry arrived in Britain on Tuesday for a brief visit, during which he will attend events connected with the Invictus Games veterans sporting event he cofounded in 2014.
The centerpiece of the visit will be a 10th anniversary service of thanksgiving for the Invictus Games held at St Paul's Cathedral in London on Wednesday.
Though not directly connected with any other members of the royal family, speculation in Britain has circulated as to whether any of Harry's family would attend the service at St Paul's. When the games were founded in 2014, King Charles (when Prince of Wales), Prince William and Princess Kate all attended events in support.
King Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February 2024 and has been undergoing treatment since then.
In the hours after the announcement was made to the public on February 5, Harry traveled to Britain to visit his father. Their meeting reportedly lasted less than an hour at Clarence House.
What We Know
After visiting his father in February, Harry said in an interview with Good Morning America that he believed the king's cancer could bring the royal family closer together.
"I think any illness, any sickness brings family together," he told anchor Will Reeve.
During the interview, Harry said he hoped to spend more time with his family as his future travel plans involved stops in Britain.
"I love my family. The fact I was able to get on a plane and see him and spend any time with him... I'm grateful for that," he said, going on to add: "I've got other trips planned that would take me through the U.K. or back to the U.K. so you know, I'll stop in and see my family as much as I can."
For his May visit to London though, it is apparent that this has not been possible to arrange.
Newsweek approached Buckingham Palace via email for comment.
Views
Prior to Harry's visit, media discourse circulated around a potential reunion with his father, noting that the king was due to be in London to conduct audiences and a garden party on the day of the Invictus service.
Royal commentator Afua Hagan previously told Newsweek: "I always say health is a great leveler, it's really good at bringing people together. If both parties can make time, it would be great for them to have that time together."
What's Next?
Harry will attend the 10th anniversary Invictus Games service of Thanksgiving on May 8 at St Paul's.
No further engagements connected with his U.K. visit have as yet been confirmed.
James Crawford-Smith is Newsweek's royal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @jrcrawfordsmith and read his stories on Newsweek's The Royals Facebook page.
Do you have a question about King Charles III, William and Kate, Meghan Markle and Harry, or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email royals@newsweek.com. We'd love to hear from you.
Update 05/07/24, 10:29 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
James Crawford-Smith is a Newsweek Royal Reporter, based in London, U.K. His focus is reporting on the British royal family ... Read more
