Prince Harry was reportedly “deeply hurt” by King Charles’ “snub” during his brief trip to the UK, friends have revealed.
Speculation had mounted about a reunion between the Duke of Sussex, 39, and his cancer-stricken father during his three-day stay in London this week to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games.
Those close to Harry say the prince requested to see his father long before he made the 5,000-mile trip from his home in California with the visit “long on the radar.”
But even though Harry and the 75-year-old monarch were at times just miles apart, the duke was told his father was “too busy” to see him during their short, rare trip.
Sources close to the duke say that he had notified his father of his intention to see him during the trip. However, those within the King’s circles insist that Harry gave no advance notice.
Prince Harry was “deeply hurt” by King Charles’ “snub” during his brief trip to the UK, friends claimed (Harry pictured in Invictus Games conversation on Tuesday)
Sources close to the duke say that he had notified his father of his intention to see him during the trip. However, those within King Charles’ circle insist there was no notification.
In comments reported by The times, Sources close to Harry said a request to see his father was made long before the visit.
Royal protocols reportedly require the duke to give 28 days’ notice to the king and the Home Office to request security.
He is also said to have asked to stay at a royal residence during his short trip, before changing his mind and opting for a hotel.
But although the King is said to have approved a request from Harry to stay at a royal residence, the visit never took place, and sources say that regardless of the request, the Duke did not seek to see his father.
A spokesman for the duke claimed Charles was too busy to see his son, saying on Tuesday: “Unfortunately, this will not be possible due to Her Majesty’s full schedule.”
“Of course, the Duke understands his father’s daily commitments and other priorities and looks forward to seeing him soon.”
Sources close to Harry said they were baffled that the King did not see his son and the missed opportunity is said to have “hurt deeply” the estranged Duke.
A friend who spent time with Harry this week told the Times: “I’m very surprised.” He was completely expecting them to meet. I know that’s what he wanted to happen and I don’t know when he’ll be back.
Harry was just a few miles from Charles when he flew to London for the Invictus Games event.
King Charles III is pictured holding papers as he arrives at Clarence House in London on Tuesday, as Harry was set to arrive.
Invictus Games Foundation CEO Dominic Reid and Prince Harry at the Honorable Artillery Company in London on Tuesday.
Prince Harry pictured meeting Louise Minchin at the Invictus Games event at Armory House on May 7.
Harry and Meghan were in Nigeria this week (pictured) following the Duke’s visit to London.
It was the first time Harry had been in the UK since his transatlantic trip in February to see his father following the shock announcement of his cancer diagnosis.
The King had a busy schedule while his son was in town, including the Buckingham Palace tour and his usual weekly audience with Rishi Sunak on the same day as the Invictus Thanksgiving event and a visit to a military barracks on Thursday.
But royal sources maintain that no request was ever received from Harry’s group to see his father.
They also say no invitation was extended to the monarch to attend the Invictus ceremony just miles from Buckingham Palace, where a garden party was being held earlier that day, despite reports to the contrary.
One said: “Although he (Charles) was barely rolling out the red carpet at the time 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 that memories may vary once again.
Meanwhile, a friend of Harry’s responded: ‘Even if they didn’t receive a request, which I don’t believe, couldn’t Her Majesty have requested to see her son? Everyone knew it was coming.
Another added: “I was hoping they would meet.” I know that’s what I wanted to happen and I don’t know when she’ll be back.’
Buckingham Palace declined to comment when approached by the newspaper.
After rushing to the UK to see Charles in February following his diagnosis, Harry expressed his hope for more regular reunions with his family in interviews with US media.
Royal watchers were almost certain the couple would reunite this week; The news that there would be no meeting took many by surprise.
Expert Richard Palmer told MailOnline earlier this week: “It is surprising that the King and Harry are not meeting at all and perhaps a sign of how much there is still to be done.”
‘There has been much speculation in the media that father and son would meet. While that always seemed like a guess, I would have guessed that they would meet as well.
Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, gave up their access to a royal residence when they left office in 2020.
The couple had previously called Frogmore Cottage in Windsor their home. Harry now says his permanent residence is in the United States.
The Mirror has suggested that there are rooms at Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, Kensington Palace and Windsor Castle that are available for Harry if he wishes to use them.
After the brief visit to Britain, Harry flew to Nigeria to join Meghan for three days in the country as they celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games.
On the royal tour, in all but name, the couple attended a lunch with the country’s defense minister and Meghan reflected on her Nigerian heritage while referring to the nation as “my country.”