Meeting Harry not a priority' for King

KING Charles is too busy to meet Prince Harry during his brief UK visit in a sign that familial royal relations show little sign of improving.

- Emily Ferguson

The Duke of Sussex, who arrived on Tuesday for events to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, ended speculation on whether father and son will spend time together while he is in London.

Prince William also has no plans to meet with his brother.

Harry's spokesperson indicated a meeting was not a priority for the King. He said: "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."

Harry has flown to the UK without his wife Meghan or their children, Prince Archie - who celebrated his fifth birthday on Monday - and Princess Lilibet, two.

But his visit comes just as the King is ramping up his schedule, having returned to public-facing duties last week. Today he is expected to attend the first Buckingham Palace garden party of the season, after meetings.

Charles also has his weekly meeting with the Prime Minister and his Privy Council meeting.

The 75-year-old monarch also continues to have cancer treatment.

Rift

Harry's arrival in the UK yesterday marks his first time back on home soil since he rushed back to see his father following his cancer diagnosis at the start of February.

They met briefly at Clarence House, sparking optimism that the Sussexes' protracted rift with the Royal Family was finally coming to an end.