Harry won’t meet family on visit a year after Elizabeth II’s death

The Duke of Sussex is set to return to the UK for a charity awards ceremony the night before the first anniversary of Elizabeth II’s death - but there are no plans for him to meet with his family to mark the solemn occasion.

The Duke of Sussex is set to return to the UK for a charity event the day before the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death.

The Duke of Sussex will return to the UK for a charity awards ceremony on the eve of the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s death, but is not thought to be meeting any of his family.

Harry will celebrate the resilience of seriously ill children and their families supported by WellChild at an event in London on September 7.

Neither Archewell, Harry and Meghan’s foundation, nor Buckingham Palace commented on whether the duke would meet any other members of the royal family to mark the anniversary the following day.

Any such meeting would represent a change in direction for the estranged prince, whose relationship with his father and brother has shown no sign of improvement since the publication of Harry’s revelatory memoir Spare in January.

Harry was last in Britain for his court appearances in his phone hacking case against Mirror Group Newspapers in June. He also visited the previous month for his father’s coronation but did not speak to the King or the Prince of Wales during the ceremony at Westminster Abbey.

The King and Queen are understood to be marking the September 8 anniversary quietly at Balmoral, where Elizabeth died aged 96.

It is not expected Prince Harry will meet with his family on the anniversary of his grandmother’s death.

Harry, who has been a patron for WellChild for 15 years, is expected to spend time with each of the winners, who include children with severe health conditions and their carers.

One is Violet Seymour, six, who was born with a brain condition that has required her to undergo numerous operations. The charity described her as facing adversity “with courage, kindness and humility” and secretly donating her own Christmas presents to children in hospital.

Meghan, who has attended previous events, is not thought to be doing so this year. She and Harry withdrew from last year’s awards because it took place on the day the Queen died. Harry then flew to Balmoral.

Harry has been a patron of WellChild for 15 years and is only returning to the UK to attend its event.

The Invictus Games, which Harry co-founded for wounded military personnel and veterans, begins on September 9 in Dusseldorf.

Harry said: “For nearly 20 years, WellChild has been transforming the lives of children and young people across the UK, providing critical care that prioritises the physical, mental and emotional well-being of these individuals and their families.” Matt James, WellChild chief executive, said the awards recognised “the selfless dedication” of those around ill children, including siblings, parents and doctors.

THE TIMES