Prince Harry was left stunned by his father’s outright refusal to meet with him during his recent visit to the UK – and found it particularly painful as “everyone knows the real reason”.

That’s according to a Royal expert and author who has suggested the snub was a “painful” blow for the Duke of Sussex who, during his recent visit to London for the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, did not receive the warm welcome he might have hoped for from his father. Despite speculation and hopes of a heartwarming father-son reunion following their previous reconciliation after King Charles III’s cancer scare, the Duke was met with disappointment. In a move that was meant to quash all rumours, Prince Harry’s team released a statement clarifying the situation.

“In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not the duke will meet with his father while in the UK this week, it unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full program,” said a spokesperson for Prince Harry. “The duke, of course, is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”

However, Royal expert, commentator and author Tom Quinn told The Mirror that Harry is especially crushed by his dad’s public rejection – and this time around it feels particularly harsh given it was assumed his trip to London would see the pair reunite.

Mr Quinn said: “He was deeply shocked at his father’s blunt refusal to see him even for a moment. This time the rejection was particularly painful because it was so public – Harry may have issued a statement saying he completely understood why his father didn’t have time to see him, but everyone knows the real reason had nothing to do with busy schedules.” The Mirror reached out to the Sussexes for comment.

Harry spent three days in London and reportedly ended up staying in a hotel after he was turned away from the Royal Family’s residences. According to The Times, the father-of-two put in an advanced “request” to see his father, as Royal protocols require him to give 28 days’ notice. However, Buckingham Palace sources alleged Harry “changed his mind” about lodging in one of the Royal estates in London, and did not request to meet his father.

While Harry was in London, Charles had a busy schedule, hosting Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for his weekly audience and visiting a military barracks. He also threw a garden party at Buckingham Palace, which Harry reportedly didn’t receive an invite to. The Duke made the trip to London without Meghan Markle and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Royal enthusiasts were left disheartened as there was no reunion between Charles and his grandchildren, whom he last saw at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.

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