Prince Harry will not see King Charles during the UK trip to attend the Invictus celebrations

London
CNN
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the Duke of Sussex He returned to the UK for a ceremony on Wednesday that marked a historic moment for him Invictus gamesBut he will not see his father, King Charles III, during his return to the country.

Prince Harry arrived on Tuesday afternoon ahead of events and meetings related to the biennial sporting competition which he founded a decade ago.

But fifth in line to the British throne will not be able to join his father during the visit home, due to “His Majesty’s full programme”, according to his spokesman.

The spokesperson added: “The Duke of course understands his father’s notes of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”

Buckingham Palace did not comment on the Duke’s visit. Harry has had a difficult relationship with his wider family since he and his wife, Meghan, stepped down from their royal duties and moved to the United States in 2020.

He is also not expected to meet his brother, Prince William, during the visit.

It does not appear that Harry, 39, was accompanied by the Duchess of Sussex on his visit to the United Kingdom. Their son, Prince Archie, turned five on Monday.

The Duke last returned to his homeland in February for a temporary visit after visiting his father Cancer diagnosis It has been announced.

Charles continues his treatment for an undisclosed cancer He returned to general duties last week after his doctors said they were “very encouraged” by his progress.

The past few months have been a turbulent time for Britain’s royal family. Harry’s sister-in-law, Catherine, Princess of Wales, revealed her battle with cancer last March, and requested privacy while undergoing treatment.

the Duke of Sussex He will attend a mass of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral in London later on Wednesday to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games and their founding.

The inaugural Invictus Games, an international sports competition for wounded veterans and military personnel, were held in London in 2014.

Harry will give a reading while actor Damian Lewis will recite a poem.

After the Invictus celebrations in London, Harry and Meghan will head to Nigeria at the invitation of the Nigerian Defense Headquarters. Nigeria became Africa The first participant in the games last year.

The next Invictus Games will be held in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada in February 2025. More than 500 competitors from more than 20 countries will compete in adaptive sports such as indoor rowing, seated volleyball, swimming, wheelchair rugby, and wheelchair basketball.

Last week, Birmingham in the UK and Washington DC in the US were announced as shortlisted to host the event in 2027.