King has no time to see Prince Harry on UK visit due to ‘full programme’

A spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex explained his absence from an event as being due to his father’s busy schedule and expressed hope for a future meeting.

Prince William will also not attend an Invictus event on Wednesday.

Harry’s last visit to the UK was in February to visit the King shortly after he was diagnosed with cancer.

“The duke fully understands his father’s packed schedule and other commitments and looks forward to seeing him soon,” said a statement from Prince Harry’s spokesperson.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the duke’s visit.

Prince Harry is in the UK to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, a competition for wounded and injured service men and women, both serving and veterans.

A service of thanksgiving will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, where Prince Harry will deliver a reading and actor Damian Lewis will recite a poem.

However, no other senior royals have been confirmed as attendees at the service, with King Charles and Prince William not expected to attend, and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, absent due to ongoing cancer treatment.

Following his visit to London, Prince Harry will travel to Nigeria with Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, at the invitation of Nigeria’s chief of defence staff, whom Prince Harry met during last year’s Invictus Games in Germany.

Birmingham in the UK and Washington DC in the US are being considered as possible venues for the Invictus Games in 2027.

Last week, the King resumed some public engagements after having to avoid crowds and public gatherings due to his cancer diagnosis. Treatment for the cancer is ongoing, but the King’s medical team has permitted him to gradually resume public activities.

It remains uncertain how many of the traditional royal summer events the King will be able to attend.