King Charles and Prince Harry at London events just two miles apart - but no hope for reunion between father and son

8 May 2024, 17:36 | Updated: 8 May 2024, 19:10

Charles and Harry are not going to meet
Charles and Harry are not going to meet. Picture: Alamy

By Kit Heren

King Charles has appeared at the first garden party of the year at Buckingham Palace, with Prince Harry only two miles away at St Paul's Cathedral, although the two are not expected to meet.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Charles beamed as he entered the palace garden with the Queen and greeted guests, wearing a grey suit and light blue waistcoat.

He then took off his black top hat in respect for the national anthem. The crowd gathered in the garden cheered loudly as the hymn ended, and Charles waved his hat in celebratory mood.

The King was also joined by the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

Read more: Prince Harry snubbed by King Charles for second time as he makes Prince William Colonel in Chief of his old regiment

Read more: Were William and Harry hacked by China? Royals feared to be among victims after ‘China’ steals bank details from MoD

King Charles III speaks to guests attending a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, London. Picture date: Wednesday May 8, 2024.
King Charles III speaks to guests attending a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, London. Picture date: Wednesday May 8, 2024. Picture: Alamy
Britain's King Charles III, left, and Queen Camilla attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, London, Wednesday May 8, 2024. (Jordan Pettitt/Pool via AP)
Britain's King Charles III, left, and Queen Camilla attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, London, Wednesday May 8, 2024. (Jordan Pettitt/Pool via AP). Picture: Alamy
King Charles III speaks to guests attending a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, London. Picture date: Wednesday May 8, 2024.
King Charles III speaks to guests attending a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, London. Picture date: Wednesday May 8, 2024. Picture: Alamy

Meanwhile Harry was in St Paul's Cathedral for a church service to mark the tenth anniversary of the Invictus Games.

Harry joined a congregation of around a thousand inside the London landmark where he gave a Bible reading.

Among the guests were Diana, Princess of Wales's siblings Lady Jane Fellowes and Earl Spencer, and former Army officer Mark Dyer, who acted as the duke's mentor.

The duke was warmly greeted by the Dean of St Paul's, the Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, before being escorted to his seat.

Prince Harry
Prince Harry. Picture: Alamy

Crowds had gathered around crash barriers to see Harry arrive.

It was revealed earlier this week that the King was too busy to see his son during his return to the UK.

Read more: Prince Harry arrives back in Britain for Invictus Games event but won't meet King Charles or Prince William

Read more: Were William and Harry hacked by China? Royals feared to be among victims after ‘China’ steals bank details from MoD

Harry during his UK visit
Harry during his UK visit. Picture: Alamy

There was speculation that Harry may meet with the King during his short trip back home his father the King, but Charles' "full programme" means the get-together would not happen.

The pair last met soon after the King announced his cancer diagnosis in February, with Harry rushing from the US to see his father.

A spokesperson for Harry 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."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Donald Trump reacts after July 13 assassination attempt

Trump struck by bullet during assassination attempt, FBI says

France was rocked by a series of attacks against railway lines early on Friday

Celine Dion kicks off Paris Olympics in rain-drenched opening ceremony after France rocked by rail arson attacks

Highs of 27C are coming this weekend

Heatwave on the way as temperatures to hit 27C this weekend - will your area get some sunshine?

The Park Fire burns along a road in California

Man arrested over California fire sparked by burning car pushed into gully

Israel has hit out at Britain's decision

Israel hits out at Starmer for dropping Britain's challenge to international arrest warrant for Netanyahu

Justin Timberlake at a premiere

Timberlake ‘not intoxicated’ and drink-drive charge should be dismissed – lawyer

What is your least favourite chocolate bars?

Brits divided over UK’s ‘worst chocolate bar’ with one Christmas classic branded ‘disgusting’

The French weather has been wet ahead of the opening ceremony

'Disaster' as flood warning issued for Paris ahead of Olympic opening ceremony, after arsonists target French railways

A crying woman at the site of a mudslide in Ethiopia

Ethiopia declares three days of mourning as toll of mudslide victims increases

Hongchi Xiao has been found guilty of the manslaughter of Danielle Carr-Gomm

Alternative healer found guilty of manslaughter of pensioner in slapping therapy workshop

Kennie Carter

Four teens jailed over revenge murder of 16-year-old Kennie Carter in Manchester, as heartbroken mother pays tribute

Graziano Di Prima has been placed under medical supervision

Ex-Strictly pro Graziano Di Prima 'placed under medical supervision' after being axed over Zara McDermott abuse claims

Insolvent Ted Baker could be set to close all its stores in a matter of weeks

Ted Baker to ‘close all stores’ in a matter of weeks as hundreds face unemployment

Nasa may have found a sign of life on Mars

Nasa finds Mars rock that 'may have hosted life', with mysterious 'features we've never seen before'

Barack Obama with Kamala Harris

Barack and Michelle Obama give endorsement for Kamala Harris’s White House bid

The police officer is facing a criminal investigation

Police officer who kicked man in the head in Manchester airport under criminal investigation for assault