King Charles was surrounded by members of the Royal Family in a display of unity at the Buckingham Palace garden party on Wednesday, May 8, which coincidentally took place just minutes before Prince Harry's special service for the Invictus Games. The King was spotted mingling with over 8,000 guests at the party, located just over two miles from where Harry was scheduled to attend a thanksgiving service marking the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games at St Paul's Cathedral.
Queen Camilla was by his side, and other working royals including Princess Anne, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Edward and Sophie, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, were also present, making it a grand royal gathering. Interestingly, the only current working royal not present was Prince William, who was busy conducting an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle earlier in the day.
Charles, who donned a grey suit and light blue waistcoat, was seen smiling at the crowds as he entered the garden with the Queen. He removed his black top hat during the national anthem and the crowds in the Buckingham Palace garden erupted into cheers as the song concluded, prompting Charles to joyfully wave his hat, reports the Mirror.
On the same day, Harry attended St Paul's Cathedral for the Invictus Games service after it was confirmed he wouldn't be seeing his father during the flying UK visit. The father-son pair last met in February when Charles announced his cancer battle and Harry rushed home from California to see him.
There were high hopes of a reunion between the somewhat estranged pair during Harry's current jaunt across the pond but a spokesperson for our favourite Royal redhead was quick to nip that in the bud. They said in a statement: "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 programme.
"The duke of course is understanding of his father's diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon."
Charle's and Harry's relationship has been known to be frosty since Harry gave up royal duties and moved stateside with his wife Meghan Markle and two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. However, during an interview with Good Morning America, Harry hinted at a possible thaw due to Charles' illness.
When asked if family sickness could have a "reunifying effect", the Duke of Sussex replied: "Yeah, I'm sure." Harry spent Tuesday, May 7 in London, attending a summit that marked the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, an event that organises sports competitions for wounded, sick or injured veterans and serving military personnel to aid their recovery.
Charles' appearance at the Buckingham Palace garden party is a way of expressing gratitude to those who have served communities, charities, the military and other organisations. This comes after he resumed public duties last week following his cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
Just last week, he expressed his 'shock' upon learning about his cancer diagnosis during a visit to a cancer centre. The King openly discussed his experience of being informed about his disease when he visited the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in central London.
Here, he learned about the latest treatments and had conversations with staff providing pioneering care. When asked about his health, he reassured everyone by saying: "I'm well."
The King's schedule of events won't be as packed as a typical summer programme, and his attendance will be announced closer to the time and will be "subject to doctors' advice". Necessary adjustments will be made to minimise risk to the King's recovery.
It's believed that the warmer weather could facilitate outdoor events, reducing the risks that many cancer patients encounter from others. A palace spokesperson also shared: "The pacing of the King's programme will be carefully calibrated as his recovery continues, in close consultation with his medical team."
