Prince Harry has extended an olive branch to his family during his return to the UK.
The Duke of Sussex invited his father, King Charles, his brother, Prince William and his sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, to the Service of Thanksgiving commemorating a decade of the Invictus Games at St. Paul’s Cathedral on May 8th.
However, none of them were in attendance at the special event.
Instead, the 39-year-old was supported at the service by several members from Princess Diana’s side of the family — including his aunt Lady Jane Fellowes, his uncle Charles Spencer and his cousin Louis Spencer.
The Duke was seen warmly embracing his family at St Paul’s Cathedral – however, no other senior royals were present as the King hosted his first garden party of the season at Buckingham Palace.
Prince Harry hugs his uncle Earl Spencer, Diana’s brother who turned up to support him at St Paul’s Cathedral.
His mother must be smiling down at him.#PrinceHarry #InvictusGames #IAM10 pic.twitter.com/y3f1XXNm65
— ChrisBaronSmith (@ChrisBaronSmit1) May 8, 2024
Meanwhile, Prince William conducted investitures at Windsor Castle on the same day – including awarding an MBE to Claire van Straubenzee for the Henry van Straubenzee Memorial Fund.
And as its widely known, Princess Kate is currently undergoing cancer treatment, which was discovered after she underwent abdominal surgery in January.
Earlier this week, Prince Harry confirmed that he would not be able to meet with his father the King Charles during his visit to the UK due to the monarch’s “full” schedule.
A spokesperson for the Duke said: “In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not The Duke will meet with his father while in the U.K. this week, it unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full program.
“The Duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”
Harry’s wife Meghan Markle has not joined him for the brief visit, instead, she has stayed in the US to prepare for their unofficial tour of Nigeria – which is planned for days after.
