Prince Harry’s return to the UK for the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games is shrouded in tension due to his strained relationship with the Royal Family. What’s more, it appears a reunion with Prince William and Princess Kate is off the cards.
Amidst rampant speculation about whether Harry will see his brother and sister-in-law during his visit, sources suggest that any hope of a meeting has been dashed.
With Kate currently undergoing cancer treatment, the Prince and Princess of Wales reportedly have no plans to meet with Harry. It comes after the Duke and wife Meghan Markle’s repeated attacks against the royals breached the Firm’s trust.
An insider told the Daily Beast: “Both sides understand each other’s position clearly. William and Catherine felt completely betrayed by Harry’s memoir. They don’t speak to Harry and Meghan, and they are certainly not about to start when Catherine is at her most vulnerable.”
Another source also claimed to The Mirror’s Royal Editor Russel Myers: “Their relationship remains extremely fractured. Harry has privately expressed a wish to sit down with his brother but now is not the time.”
An insider has revealed that despiteHarry and Meghan extending well-wishes to Kate, there’s been no significant thaw in the frosty relations between the brothers.
“A ‘get well soon’ message is neither here nor there. But the whole situation doesn’t use up a huge amount of their mental energy any more. William and Kate have accepted it and moved on,” they told the Daily Beast.
Prince Harry is poised to step into the spotlight on Wednesday with a scheduled reading at St Paul’s Cathedral, honouring the Invictus Games. The ceremony will also feature actor Damian Lewis reading a poem.
The Invictus Games Foundation announced: “The Invictus Games Foundation will celebrate 10 years of changing lives and saving lives with a ‘Service of Thanksgiving’ at St Paul’s Cathedral on May 8th. We will be joined by our Patron, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, actor Damian Lewis and members of the worldwide Invictus Community to mark the occasion.”
Prince Harry is reportedly eager to reunite with his father during his visit.
A source told The Mirror: “Harry has kept in regular contact with his father on several occasions and made no secret of his desire to see him when he can. He has been especially concerned about him and hopes the King will be well and able to see him as planned.”
Harry’s journey to London will be his first since he returned to the UK in February, following the public announcement of the King’s cancer diagnosis.
During that fleeting visit, Harry spent a mere 30 minutes with his father and just 24 hours in the UK.
Harry later shared with US television that he felt fortunate to have spent time with his father, discussing how health crises can bring families closer together.
On the day of Harry’s presence in London for the Invictus service, reports suggest that Charles has his regular meeting with the Prime Minister. He is also anticipated to attend the inaugural Buckingham Palace garden party.
