The alleged reason King Charles turned down the chance to see his son, Prince Harry this week is that he wanted to steer clear of any "drama", according to Royal insiders.
As Prince Harry, aged 39, touched down in the UK on Tuesday for the tenth anniversary celebrations of the Invictus Games before his three-day trip to Nigeria, many thought he would meet his father, King Charles, especially after the King's cancer diagnosis earlier this year. But it was confirmed that day that this would not happen, with the King apparently swamped with "other priorities".
While the news has left some Royal fans gobsmacked, royal experts have maintained the move is not surprising - and that the monarch is still holding out for an apology over the "drama" his son and daughter-in-law, Meghan Markle, have stirred up.
A source told the Daily Mail that the King is still smarting from the bombshell allegations Harry and Meghan have directed at the Royal Family in recent times. They said: "He doesn't need the drama in his life," and added that "Harry and Meghan have brought him, and the rest of the family, nothing but worries over the past few years.", reports the Mirror.
The Sussexes made headlines globally when they resigned from their senior Royal roles, later sharing insights into their Royal life experiences in an explosive Oprah Winfrey interview and their Netflix documentary series. In January last year, Harry didn't hold back in his tell-all book 'Spare', taking aim at his father, brother, and Queen Camilla.
An insider has suggested that King Charles' recent cancer diagnosis has been a 'wake-up call', highlighting the preciousness of time and his eagerness to make a meaningful impact without the complications of family drama. The source stated: "Frankly speaking, Harry and Meghan are a painful distraction that he could do without."
Harry's official spokesperson confirmed that despite public speculation, a meeting between Harry and his father won't happen during the Duke's UK visit due to the King's packed schedule.
On Tuesday, the spokesperson said: "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."
The Mirror has sought comments from King Charles' representatives.
