- By Natasha Brisky and Sean Coughlan, Royal Correspondent
- BBC News
Image source, Chris Jackson
Prince Harry has arrived in the UK but will not see King Charles during his visit to mark the decade of the Invictus Games.
A spokesman for the Duke of Sussex said it was due to his father’s “full programme” and that he “hopes to see him soon”.
Prince William will also not be present at the Invictus event on Wednesday.
Harry last visited the UK in February to visit the King shortly after he was diagnosed with cancer.
A statement from Prince Harry’s spokesman said: “The Duke of course understands his father’s commitment notes and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”
Buckingham Palace is not commenting on the Duke’s visit.
Prince Harry is in the UK to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, a competition for wounded and injured men and women, both service members and veterans.
Image source, Chris Jackson
There will be a mass of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, where Prince Harry will read a poem, and actor Damian Lewis will recite a poem.
But so far, no senior members of the royal family have been confirmed as guests at the service, as King Charles and Prince William did not attend, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, was absent due to undergoing cancer treatment.
After his visit to London, Prince Harry will visit Nigeria, accompanied by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. The couple were invited by Nigeria’s Chief of Defense Staff, who met Prince Harry during last year’s Invictus Games in Germany.
Birmingham in the UK and Washington DC in the US have been shortlisted as potential venues for Invictus in 2027.
Image source, Getty Images
Last week, the king began returning to public engagements, after having to avoid crowds and public meetings after it was revealed that he had an unspecified type of cancer.
Treatment for this cancer is still ongoing, but the King’s medical advisors have allowed him to begin a gradual return to his public engagements.
It remains uncertain how many traditional royal summer events the King will be able to attend.
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