KING Charles has always “left the door open for Harry” amid their royal rift – but “Meghan is toxic”, says a royal expert.
The duke, 39, will be returning to the UK in days for the Invictus Games’ 10th anniversary – and will “undoubtedly” want to meet with his father.
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A royal expert claimed Harry will ‘undoubtedly’ want to meet with his fatherCredit: The Mega Agency
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King Charles was spotted today for the first time since the duke announced his return to the UKCredit: Newsline Media
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Meghan’s presence at the Invictus Games service would overshadow it, claimed Mr FitzwilliamsCredit: AP
An Invictus Games spokesperson today confirmed Harry will arrive at the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday 8th May.
It marks a decade since the inaugural Invictus Games London in 2014, highlighting the value sport can have in people’s lives.
Meghan’s reception would overshadow the message of the service, and you wouldn’t want that
Richard FitzwilliamsRoyal commentator
This trip across the pond will be the dukes first time in Britain since Princess Kate announced she is receiving treatment for cancer on March 22.
However, wife Meghan’s attendance has not been confirmed yet, alongside their children Archie and Lilibet.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told The Sun Online: “I never thought that Meghan would come over because of the hostility towards her here, but one has to emphasize that it’s obvious from the opinion polls.
“And of course, you’d get a press that was far from flattering, but that is linked to the Sussexes behaviour over the last four years.
Meghan is toxic
Mr Fitzwilliams
“It may not be definite that she isn’t coming, but it’s most unlikely.
“Meghan’s reception would overshadow the message of the service, and you wouldn’t want that.”
Meg, 42, has joined Harry at his games in Toronto, Sydney, The Hague and Dusseldorf – and the one-year-out launch party for Vancouver.
However, she has not been seen in the UK since attending Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022.
And, she turned down an invite to the King’s Coronation as it clashed with Archie’s fourth birthday.
FATHER SON REUNION
Speaking of the possibility the duke and King Charles could come face to face, the royal expert said: “So far as Harry is concerned, yes, undoubtedly I would have thought he would want to see his father.”
The royal expert touched on Harry’s 24hour transatlantic dash when news broke of the King’s cancer diagnosis.
Meanwhile, Charles was spotted for the first time today since Harry announced his return to the UK – and since His Majesty revealed he would be going back to public duties.
The King has always kept the door open to Harry, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that he would invariably get a warm reception
Mr Fitzwilliams
Mr Fitzwilliams added that despite Harry’s desperate bid for more security – it would not be an issue should he wish to see his father.
“We know security regarding Harry and Meghan and the children would be dealt with on a case by case basis, I would find it extraordinary if they wanted to see the King that there would be a problem.”
The expert even questioned whether Harry could “well come back over again on several occasions”.
“The King has always kept the door open to Harry, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that he would invariably get a warm reception,” continued Mr Fitzwilliams.
“It will take its time. But clearly the situation has changed in recent weeks beyond all expectations.
“I don’t think it would be too difficult, it depends how you define reconcile.
“I think there’s a long way to go before Harry is bringing over Meghan and the children.”
King spotted for first time today since work announcement
KING Charles and Queen Camilla have been seen for first time since their announcement the monarch would return to public duties.
The Royal couple smiled side by side as they arrived to attend Sunday Service at Crathie Church in Aberdeen this morning.
It is the first time the pair have been spotted since Buckingham Palace revealed the King would be returning to public-facing duties.
His Majesty, 75, has chosen to make his public comeback by visiting a cancer hospital to speak to staff and patients with Camilla, 76, on Tuesday.
It is understood the King, as patron of MacMillan Cancer Support, wants the visit to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and highlight innovative research supported by Cancer Research UK, which is taking place at the hospital.
The palace has also confirmed he will host a State Visit from the Emperor and Empress of Japan this summer.
Palace officials announced Charles is still undergoing cancer treatment but his medical team are “very encouraged by the progress” and “remain positive” about his recovery.
The King could be seen at the Buckingham Palace Garden Party – also thrown on May 8 – this year amid his return to duties.
But, the Invictus Games service runs from 5pm until 6.30pm which clashes with the glitzy outdoor bash – held between 3pm and 6pm – meaning it is unlikely Harry and the King would come face-to-face at either event.
‘DEEP RIFT’
However, a reconciliation between Harry and the Prince and Princess of Wales may be a different story.
The royal expert said: “We don’t know, but Catherine is receiving preventative treatment for cancer and there’s no doubt it’s a very very difficult time for her, and it’s most unlikely that she would want visitors who might be in some form controversial, whatever the intention.
“William has a very deep rift with him and I don’t see it instantly being resolved.
“The Sussexes aren’t trusted by the Royal Family.”
‘TOXIC’ MEG
Mr Fitzwilliams added: “Meghan is toxic.
“I’m not saying the Sussexes would launch any attacks to the Royal Family at this sort of time.
“But what is very, very clear is that if they want to build trust, they have a long way to go.”
The brothers’ bitter feud has sparked heartbreak among many experts, who reflect on the once “really, really” close bond the royals shared.
Charles Rae previously spoke on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show about how Harry used to be in line to act as Prince William’s top advisor.
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He claimed the estranged relationship would break Diana’s heart.
“They were really, really close. And this is what makes it so sad that they’re now so far apart,” he said.
HARRY KNOWS
Mr Fitzwilliams believed that after all the royal drama, the duke will always remember where he came from.
“Harry was brought up as a member of the Royal Family.
“He knows that. And regarding repairing the relationship, serious illness changes everything.
“My hope is that he would be certainly looking to repair things with his father, and I suspect that anything with William and Catherine will take much, much longer.
“But we don’t know, the Sussexes have from time to time surprised us in the past. Who knows.”
Timeline of Kate and Charles’ health battles & recovery
JAN 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery
JAN 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent surgery
Buckingham Palace announces the King has been diagnosed with enlarged prostate
JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside
JAN 23: The princess’ hospital stay passes one week
JAN 26: The Sun exclusively photograph the King arriving at The London Clinic for his ‘corrective procedure’
JAN 29: Kate leaves hospital
The King seen waving and smiling as he left hospital after an extra night
FEB 5: Palace reveal while in hospital for his prostate operation doctors discovered the the King has a form of cancer
FEB 10: King issues ‘heartfelt thanks’ in a written statement
FEB 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to ‘personal matter’, sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health
MAR 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate
MAR 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother’s Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out ‘kill notice’ on photo
MAR 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William
MAR 16: Royal fans spot the princess at farm shop near Windsor
MAR 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport
MAR 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior
MAR 22: Kate bravely reveals in an emotional video that she was given a shock cancer diagnosis
MAR 31: King attends Easter Sunday service and tales part in ‘walkabout’ with members of the public and aides say ‘it was a significant step’ as KIng had ‘responded to treatment very encouragingly’
APR 4: The Sun exclusively reveals King has ordered aides to ‘supercharge’ his diary for the summer and is ‘raring to go’
APR 26: Buckingham Palace announce King will return to public-facing front-line duties
INVICTUS GAMES
It comes as acting legend Damian Lewis is expected to recite the Invictus poem during the Invictus Games anniversary service.
Harry previously said he would want the star to play him in a film about his life.
William Henley, the author of the sentimental poem, has a memorial bust within the Crypt of St Paul’s Cathedral.
Representatives from across the Invictus Games participating nations will be attending the heartwarming service.
They include members of the wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veteran community, confirmed the Invictus Games spokesperson.
They will also be performing readings throughout the Service, led by The Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, Dean of St Paul’s.
Major members of the Royal Family – who did join in with early editions of Harry’s biannual event – are not expected to attend.
It is not known where the duke will be staying on his visit but he is homeless in the UK after being evicted last summer from Frogmore Cottage.