King Charles’ private reason for avoiding Prince Harry during London return

Plenty was made of the King’s excuse of being too busy to catch up with his son – but it appears there was another significant factor.

Prince Harry and King Charles.

King Charles avoided meeting up with Prince Harry during his two-day visit to London as he was hoping to avoid “the drama” associated with his son, it’s been claimed.

There was plenty of speculation about whether or not the pair, whose relationship has been strained following the Duke of Sussex’s public criticisms of his family, would get together while once again sharing the same city as he took part in Invictus Games events this week.

In response, Harry’s spokesman released a statement confirming that Harry had put in a request for a meeting, but that it had been declined.

“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 spokesman said.

“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 greeted fans waiting outside St Paul’s Cathedral ahead of the Invictus service. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images for Invictus Games Foundation

King Charles and Queen Camilla were hosting a garden party at Buckingham Palace, just two miles away, at the same time. Picture: Jordan Pettitt/Pool/AFP

But according to the Daily Mail’s Richard Eden, it wasn’t just a “full program” getting in the way.

“He doesn’t need the drama in his life,” he claims a source close to the King told him.

“Harry and Meghan have brought him, and the rest of the family, nothing but worries over the past few years.”

The journalist added that the divide between Harry and Meghan and the rest of his family is unlikely to be bridged until the Sussexes apologise for their repeated criticisms of the royal family.

In particular, the King is reportedly still particularly upset about his son’s portrayal of his wife, Queen Camilla, including the allegation that she was “dangerous” in her bid to overhaul her public reputation.

Charles and Harry’s relationship has hit a rocky patch in recent years. Picture: Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage

Meanwhile, Harry wrapped up his whirlwind return to the UK with an emotional Service of Thanksgiving for 10 years of the Invictus Games at St Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday.

He appeared to become overwhelmed during a testimony by the 2018 Team UK captain, Michelle Turner, along with her husband and daughter, as they described the profound impact the competition had had on their lives.

As a choked-up Ms Turner wrapped up by thanking “Invictus for giving me my life back”, Harry stood up to lead the congregation in a standing ovation, before appearing to wipe away his own tears.

He later delivered a reading of a passage from Corinthians.

The duke is patron of the Games, which began in 2014 as a sporting competition for wounded, injured or sick ex-servicemen and women.

It followed his own decade of service in the military, which included two tours of Afghanistan.

Unsurprisingly, given the rift currently dividing Harry and the royal family, none were in attendance at the high-profile event.