Prince Harry’s upcoming trip to the UK for the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games is shrouded in anticipation, given his strained relationship with the Royal Family.
Speculation has been rife about whether Harry will meet with Prince William and Princess Kate during his visit. However, it appears that a reunion is off the cards.
The reason Prince William and Kate, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment, are reportedly steering clear of Harry is straightforward: a breach of trust.
A source close to the couple disclosed to 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.”
Adding to this, an insider conveyed 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.”, reports the Mirror.
An insider has revealed that despite Prince Harry and Meghan extending their best wishes to Kate after her cancer diagnosis, 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 disclosed to the Daily Beast.
Prince Harry is scheduled to make an appearance this Wednesday, where he will deliver a reading at St Paul’s Cathedral to honour the Invictus Games. The ceremony is also set to feature actor Damian Lewis, who is expected to perform 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.”
It’s reported that during his visit, Prince Harry is keen to catch up with King Charles. A source confided to 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 hurriedly returned to the UK in February, following the public announcement of the King’s cancer diagnosis. During that brief visit, Harry spent a mere 30 minutes with his father, staying in his home country for just 24 hours.
Following his February visit, Harry 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 of the year.