Prince Harry leaves UK after whirlwind visit and Royal Family snub

Prince Harry has jetted out of the UK, heading back to Meghan Markle after a brief and eventful visit that saw him miss out on family time with the Royals.

The Duke of Sussex is set to embark on a tour of Nigeria with Meghan following an invitation from the West African nation's chief of defence staff, whom Harry met last year in Germany at the Invictus Games Dusseldorf.

Harry's London stopover included commemorating the 10th anniversary of his Invictus Games at St Paul's Cathedral.

Meanwhile, just a stone's throw away, Charles was hosting a garden party at Buckingham Palace, reports the Mirror.

However, the newly-appointed King reportedly had no time to meet his son due to a packed schedule of official duties, as previously confirmed by a statement.

The Duke also missed the chance to catch up with his brother Prince William during his stay.

The last encounter between Harry and the King was in February, prompted by concerns over Charles' health.

A spokesman for Harry stated earlier: "In response to the many inquiries on whether or not the Duke will meet with his father while in the UK, 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."

Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams commented on the current tensions within the Royal Family, saying: "It's a very difficult situation at the moment and it's completely unprecedented.

"I think people thought Harry and the King would have found the time to meet each other. I think what's developing here is something that had not been expected but there is logic to it. I think that this and the appointment of William as Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps is about timing."

He further noted: "The only way for the rift to be healed is in private."

At the recent St Paul's event, Prince Harry was noticeably without any other Royal Family members at his Invictus Games celebration.

This marked a significant change from 2014 when he launched the Games with the support of Prince Charles, Camilla, and Prince William.

Since stepping back as senior royals in 2020 and relocating to California with their children Archie and Lilibet, Harry's relationship with his family has become visibly strained.

During the 10th-anniversary celebrations, Harry was accompanied by his mother Princess Diana's siblings Charles Spencer and Lady Jane Fellows.

His cousins George McCorquodale, Louis Spencer, and Lara Spencer were also present, offering their support.

Hundreds of supporters gathered outside St Paul's Cathedral, awaiting a glimpse of the Duke and greeting him with cheers.

Spectators had assembled around the crash barriers to witness the duke's arrival, with a throng of journalists, photographers, and cameramen documenting his every move.

Harry greeted them with a wave as he ascended the steps of St Paul's and received a warm welcome from the Dean of St Paul's, the Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett.

Upon his departure, the duke briefly mingled with the crowd, extending handshakes to some of the fans who had patiently awaited his appearance.

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