King Charles III is said to have snubbed Prince Harry this week for one very painful reason, according to one of the monarch’s friends.
Harry flew into London on Tuesday afternoon, just one day before appearing at St Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday, May 8.
The Duke of Sussex, the founder of the Invictus Games, travelled to the UK to attend a special ceremony to mark its 10th anniversary.
Prior to his visit, the 39-year-old released a statement – via his spokesperson – which revealed that he would not be paying his father a visit due to the King’s „full programme“.
Now, according to one of the King’s friends, the reason that the monarch decided not to see his youngest son has been revealed.
According to the Daily Mail, the King’s friend said: „He doesn’t need the drama in his life.“
They added: „[Prince] Harry and Meghan [Markle] have brought him, and the rest of the family, nothing but worries over the past few years.“
Speaking of the monarch in the present moment, another friend told the publication: „In some ways, this might sound odd, but the cancer diagnosis has given His Majesty even more energy.“
Discussing the King, they added: „He spent decades waiting to be King, of course, and realises that his time might be very limited. So, he’s determined to make as much difference as he can – as soon as he can.“
The King hosted his annual garden party at Buckingham Palace on May 8, with Queen Camilla by his side.
Princess Anne, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester also joined the King and Queen yesterday.
Just two miles away, Harry arrived at St Paul’s Cathedral, where he was greeted by a host of cheers from members of the public outside.
As Harry prepared to fly to the UK, the statement from his spokesperson read: „It unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full programme. The Duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.“
Later this month, Harry is set to be joined by his wife Meghan Markle on a visit to Nigeria – for further commitments for the invictus Games.
Meghan didn’t join Harry in the UK this week, instead opting to remain in the US with their two children – Archie, five, and Lilibet, who will turn three next month.
Last month, The Defence Headquarters [DHQ] announced that the couple will be visiting in May, revealing that they will be meeting with Service members and taking on a host of cultural activities during their trip.