Royal news – live: Prince Harry says King Charles 'too busy' to meet ...

Prince Harry has been dealt a second blow in the space of 24 hours after Buckingham Palace announced Prince William would be made colonel-in-chief of the Army Air Corps – Harry’s old regiment.

William will take over the position, which is currently held by King Charles, next week despite Harry having served in the regiment during his tour of active duty in Afghanistan in 2014.

The news comes hours after a spokesperson for Prince Harry said the King is too busy to meet him on his visit, which marks the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games.

The Duke of Sussex arrived back in the UK yesterday afternoon and is set to give a speech at a thanksgiving ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral this evening.

Harry, 39, is not accompanied by his wife Meghan Markle, 42, or their children, Archie and Lilibet. It is also understood that none of his immediate family will attend the ceremony.

The fifth in line to the throne has not been in the country since February when he met with the King for a flying visit following the monarch’s cancer diagnosis.

Key Points

Prince Harry will not reunite with King Charles on visit

Prince Harry back on British soil

Harry will not stay at Buckingham Palace

Harry and Meghan’s popularity revealed in new poll

Prince William given military honour in second snub for Harry

09:10 , Emma Guinness

Prince William is set to be made the colonel-in-chief of the Army Air Corps by King Charles in a second snub for Prince Harry.

The heir to the throne, 41, will be given the honour on Monday (13 May), Buckingham Palace has announced.

According to reports, the honour may have passed to Prince Harry, 39, a former Apache helicopter pilot who served with the Army Air Corps in Afghanistan, this was not possible after he stepped down as a working royal in 2020.

Like Harry, William is also a trained pilot and previously worked as a search and rescue and air ambulance pilot.

The news comes after a spokesperson for Prince Harry revealed that the King, 75, does not have time to see him on his current visit to the UK after he landed back on British soil yesterday (7 May).

A spokesman for the Duke of Sussex 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.”

Prince Harry at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan (Getty Images)

Harry to give speech in St Paul’s Cathedral today

07:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Prince Harry has not been in the country since February when he met with the King for a flying visit following the monarch’s cancer diagnosis.

He is scheduled to give a speech on Wednesday (8 May) to mark the anniversary of the games he founded in 2014 at a thanksgiving ceremony in St Paul’s Cathedral.

His arrival was announced by royal editor Chris Ship on Twitter (X), who revealed Harry will also be attending some Invictus-related events today.

(Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Queen tells children ‘the more books you read, the more you’re going to learn’ as she opens new school library

06:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The Queen opened a new school library as she told excited pupils reading will open doors and make a “huge difference” for them in life.

Camilla told children at Moreland Primary School in Islington, London, “the more books you read, the more you’re going to learn”.

The royal’s proud history of contributions to literacy initiatives was honoured through the opening of the library and part of the Coronation Libraries Project.

Queen Camilla tells children ‘the more books you read, the more you’ll learn’

Prince Harry will not meet with King Charles on visit

05:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Prince Harry will not meet with King Charles on his current visit to the UK, his spokesperson has confirmed.

The representative for the Duke of Sussex, 39, said that a reunion will not be possible because of the Monarch’s busy schedule following his return to duty last 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,” they said.

Harry and the King last saw each other for a reported 45 minutes in February following news of Charles’s cancer diagnosis breaking.

King Charles cancer diagnosis: The history of illnesses in the Royal Family

04:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

In February, King Charles shared he had been diagnosed with cancer following treatment for a benign enlarged prostate.

The Royal Family did not specify the form of cancer but he is still undergoing regular treatment and has postponed public duties.

The monarch was diagnosed with the disease while undergoing separate treatment for an enlarged prostate in January at the London Clinic.

History of illnesses in the Royal Family after King Charles’ cancer diagnosis

Princess Beatrice gives rare update on Sarah Ferguson’s cancer diagnosis

02:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Princess Beatrice has said that Sarah Ferguson has been given the “all clear” from cancer in a rare TV interview discussing her mother’s health.

The Princess, 35, gave the first update on her mother since January when it was announced that the Duchess of York, 64, had skin cancer following the removal of several moles.

At the time, the Duchess was said to be “undergoing further investigations to ensure that it has been caught in the early stages.”

Princess Beatrice gives rare update on Fergie’s cancer diagnosis

Prince Harry sets out UK trip plans as King to miss reunion

01:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The Duke of Sussex joked about his plans during his trip to the UK as his spokesperson confirmed he would not be reuniting with King Charles III during his visit.

Prince Harry “hopes” to see his father “soon” after the King’s “full programme” meant a reunion was not possible during Harry’s trip to London, his spokesperson added.

Harry is in the UK celebrating the 10th anniversary of his Paralympic-style tournament for wounded veterans and serving military.

He joked during an Invictus summit event he would be spending the evening having dinner with former Invictus Games Foundation trustee Guy Monson.

Prince Harry pays tribute to Invictus Games family’s ‘commitment, enthusiasm and belief'

Wednesday 8 May 2024 00:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The Duke of Sussex has paid tribute to the Invictus Games family’s “commitment, enthusiasm and belief” as he returned to the UK to celebrate 10 years of the sporting event.

Harry has been the driving force behind the Paralympics-style tournament he launched in 2014 to support the rehabilitation of wounded or sick service personnel or veterans, and he joined an Invictus conference looking back over the past decade.

The duke was last in the country to visit the King after his cancer diagnosis, and there is speculation father and son could meet this week.

Harry arrived at the Honourable Artillery Company’s headquarters on the edge of the City of London for the one-day summit, called the Invictus Games Foundation Conversation, ahead of attending Wednesday’s St Paul’s Cathedral ceremony also marking the 10th anniversary.

Writing in the foreword for the summit, Harry said: “It has been an honour to watch the Invictus Games Foundation grow over the years; what began as a vision to pay tribute to the courage and resilience of wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans, has flourished into an international organisation built on hope, strength, and unity.”

Harry was inspired to found the global tournament after attending the Warrior Games in Colorado in 2013 and seeing how injured American military personnel thrived on the challenge of taking part in competitive sports that aided their recovery.

He went on to stage the inaugural games in London’s Olympic Park in 2014, followed by Orlando in 2016, Toronto in 2017 and Sydney 2018.

Organisers said after 2020, Invictus will be staged every two years, but The Hague Games planned for that year was delayed by the pandemic until 2022, followed by Dusseldorf 2023, while Vancouver Whistler is planned for 2025.

The duke wrote: “As we look ahead to the first winter hybrid Games at Vancouver Whistler 2025 next year, we are eager to celebrate the Invictus Spirit once again - exemplified in every single competitor, staff, friend and family member - your commitment, enthusiasm and belief, have been the driving force behind our continued success.”

He added: “Together, we have created a legacy that transcends sports; a community that embraces compassion, respect, and the unyielding belief in the power of the human spirit. As we celebrate this milestone, let us recommit to the Invictus mission.”

The ‘cheeky’ gift from Prince Louis that put a spring in King Charles’ step

Tuesday 7 May 2024 23:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

King Charles shared a sign that he had a real “spring in his step” on his return to public duty at the end of April.

The King, 75, subtly let royal fans know that he is feeling good by wearing a pink T-rex tie – reportedly a gift from one of his grandchildren – on his visit to a cancer treatment centre in London.

According to commentators, it is likely a gift from Prince Louis, six, who reportedly has a penchant for dinosaurs.

The ‘cheeky’ gift from Prince Louis that put a spring in King Charles’ step

Tiny mistake spotted in King Charles’ new Coronation roll

Tuesday 7 May 2024 22:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

An intricately stitched roll more than 70ft (21.4 metres) long, created for the King’s coronation, contains just one mistake, it’s been revealed – a missing dot over an “i”.

The roll, which consists of 30 pages stitched together by hand, is the official record of Charles’s crowning.

Calligrapher Stephanie von Werthern-Gill said she worked for 56 days non-stop writing the roll after the coronation almost a year ago, on 6 May.

Tiny mistake spotted in King Charles’ new Coronation roll

Prince Harry ‘hopes’ to see King ‘soon’ but reunion not in the cards

Tuesday 7 May 2024 20:57 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The Duke of Sussex “hopes” to see his father “soon” after the King’s “full programme” meant a reunion was not possible during Harry’s UK trip to celebrate his Invictus Games.

Harry has travelled to London to mark the 10th anniversary of his Paralympic-style tournament for wounded veterans and serving military but will not cap his visit by sitting down with his father.

The former working royal joked during an Invictus summit event he would be spending the evening having dinner with former Invictus Games Foundation trustee Guy Monson.

The pair last met soon after the King announced his cancer diagnosis in February and his son, who now lives with his family in California, rushed from America to see his father.

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 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.”

(Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Queen tells excited children a new school library will make ‘huge difference’

Tuesday 7 May 2024 19:58 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The Queen told children “the more books you read, the more you’re going to learn” as she opened a new school library which she said would make a “huge difference” to pupils.

Camilla told excited children at Moreland Primary School in Islington, London: “The more you’re going to learn the more you’re going to get on in life.

“It’s so important to keep reading.”

The library’s opening is part of the Coronation Libraries Project which honours the Queen’s significant contributions to literacy initiatives and her encouragement for children to embrace reading.

(Justin Tallis/PA Wire)

(Justin Tallis/PA Wire)

Harry hopes to see King ‘soon’ after full programme means reunion not possible

Tuesday 7 May 2024 19:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The Duke of Sussex “hopes” to see his father “soon” after the King’s “full programme” meant a reunion was not possible during Harry’s UK trip to celebrate his Invictus Games.

Harry has travelled to London to mark the 10th anniversary of his Paralympic-style tournament for wounded veterans and serving military but will not cap his visit by sitting down with his father.

The pair last met soon after the King announced his cancer diagnosis in February and his son, who now lives with his family in California, rushed from America to see his father.

Harry hopes to see King ‘soon’ after full programme means reunion not possible

Kate Beckinsale praises King Charles for ‘being really open’ about his cancer diagnosis

Tuesday 7 May 2024 18:26 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Kate Beckinsale is applauding King Charles III amid his battle with cancer.

The British actor, 50, praised the 75-year-old monarch for being candid about his cancer diagnosis as she reflected on her own relationship with cancer in her family.

While attending the King’s Trust Gala in New York City on 2 May, the Underworld star said she’s “impressed” with “how open” Charles has been about his health.

Kate Beckinsale praises King Charles for being ‘really open’ about his cancer

Princess Beatrice gives rare update on Sarah Ferguson’s cancer diagnosis

Tuesday 7 May 2024 17:39 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Princess Beatrice has said that Sarah Ferguson has been given the “all clear” from cancer in a rare TV interview discussing her mother’s health.

The Princess, 35, gave the first update on her mother since January when it was announced that the Duchess of York, 64, had skin cancer following the removal of several moles.

At the time, the Duchess was said to be “undergoing further investigations to ensure that it has been caught in the early stages.”

Princess Beatrice gives rare update on Fergie’s cancer diagnosis

Meghan Markle “slips” UK leg of Invictus Games celebrations

Tuesday 7 May 2024 15:34 , Emma Guinness

Prince Harry is expected to spend just three days in the UK before leaving for Nigeria.

There, he will be joined by his wife, Meghan Markle, who is expected to fly to fly directly from California.

The couple’s visit will be to mark the 10th anniversary of The Invictus Games, which Harry is currently acknowledging in the UK.

His wife is reported to have chosen to “skip” the UK part of the celebrations.

In Nigeria, Harry and Meghan are expected to give talks about the event for wounded, injured and sick service people, which the Prince founded back in 2014.

While the couple are reported to be funding their own travel, a spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Information and National Orientation said that they will likely be given free accommodation from the government.

It is not known if they will be accompanied on the trip by their children, Archie and Lilibet.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be reunited in a few days (REUTERS)

Prince Harry all smiles in London this afternoon

Tuesday 7 May 2024 15:12 , Emma Guinness

Prince Harry has been photographed attending an event celebrating the Invictus Games in London this afternoon.

The Duke of Sussex arrived back in the UK today from his home in California to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the games he founded in 2014.

In snaps of today’s celebration, he can be seen smiling with Dominic Reid OBE and CEO of the Invictus Games Foundation.

The Prince was also photographed speaking with Pikemen and Musketeers at the Honourable Artillery Company.

This was all part of an event from The Invictus Games Foundation Conversation titled “Realising a Global Community”.

Prince Harry was all smiles in London today (7 May) (Getty Images for The Invictus Ga)

The Prince is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games (Getty Images for The Invictus Ga)

Prince Harry will not meet with King Charles on visit

Tuesday 7 May 2024 14:55 , Emma Guinness

Prince Harry will not meet with King Charles on his current visit to the UK, his spokesperson has confirmed.

The representative for the Duke of Sussex, 39, said that a reunion will not be possible because of the Monarch’s busy schedule following his return to duty last 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,” they said.

Harry and the King last saw each other for a reported 45 minutes in February following news of Charles’s cancer diagnosis breaking.

Prince Harry will not reunite with his father on his trip (Tim Rooke - Pool/Getty Images)

Queen Camilla opens library as Prince Harry arrives back in the UK

Tuesday 7 May 2024 14:43 , Emma Guinness

Queen Camilla has had a busy afternoon opening a new Coronation Library in London.

Located at Moreland Primary School, the new facility was transformed in the year since King Charles’s coronation by the National Literacy Trust, of which the Queen Consort is a patron.

Prince Harry, meanwhile, is attending Invictus Games-related events after arriving back in London this afternoon for the 10th anniversary of the event.

The Queeen is a patron of the National Literacy Trust (AP)

Royal expert on ‘telling sign’ Prince Harry will be alone at tomorrow’s event

Tuesday 7 May 2024 14:00 , Emma Guinness

A royal expert has opened up about the ‘telling sign’ Prince Harry will be alone at his first public-facing event in some time.

The Duke of Sussex is set to give a thanksgiving speech at a ceremony celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games and it is believed he will not be joined by any members of the royal family.

He will also be without the support of his wife Meghan Markle and their two children, who remain in the US.

The games, which celebrates the sporting abilities of wounded, sick or injured veterans, was founded by the fifth in line to the throne back in 2015.

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond said: “He’s here to celebrate the Invictus Games… and rightly so, it is a great achievement.

“But how telling it will be to see him there without a single member of the royal family present to salute his achievement. It will be a graphic illustration of what he has done to the family he still professes to love.”

It is beleived that Prince Harry will be alone at the Invictus Games thanksgiving ceremony (REUTERS)

Reconciliation between Harry and William unlikely “for the forseeable future"

Tuesday 7 May 2024 13:50 , Emma Guinness

A reconciliation between Prince Harry and Prince William is unlikely to happen in “the foreseeable future”, a royal expert has claimed.

The fifth in line to the throne returned to the UK from California today (7 May) for the first time since February to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games.

He is expected to give a thanksgiving speech at a ceremony in St Paul’s Cathedral in London, which organisers have said won’t be attended by other members of the royal family.

Former BBC royal correspondent Michael Cole said: “After so much bad blood, it is very difficult indeed to see any sort of reconciliation between the Sussexes and the Royal Family happening [this] week - or for the foreseeable future.”

Relations between Princes Harry and William have been fraught for years (Getty Images)

Prince William was invited to Harry’s event tomorrow

Tuesday 7 May 2024 13:32 , Emma Guinness

A source has claimed that Prince William and other members of the royal family were invited to Prince Harry’s Invictus Games event tomorrow.

As reported by Page Six, none of the family are expected to attend the thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, which celebrates the 10th anniversary of the sporting event founded by the Duke.

The Prince is reported to be spending the evening in a London hotel after attending other Invictus-related events today.

Prince Harry reportedly invited William to his event in London tomorrow (8 May) (Getty Images)

Meghan Markle given “rare honour” before leaving royal family

Tuesday 7 May 2024 13:20 , Emma Guinness

Meghan Markle was reportedly given a “rare honour” ahead of her and Prince Harry’s decision to step down as working royals in 2020.

BBC royal correspondent Micheal Cole said that before the Sussex’s relationship with the royals went “badly wrong”, the firm did everything they could to welcome the former actress into their family.

“It was a rare honour when the King offered to walk her down the aisle because her father, Thomas, is estranged from her, as are most members of her family,” he told Good Morning America. “That was a great honour, and the late Queen went out of her way to make a friend of Doria, her mother.

“It’s really hard to puzzle where it all went so badly wrong. She could not have been welcomed more into this country or the Royal Family.”

King Charles walked Meghan Markle down the aisle at her wedding to Prince Harry (Getty Images)

Prince Harry officially back in the UK

Tuesday 7 May 2024 13:18 , Emma Guinness

Prince Harry has officially arrived back in the UK for the first time since February.

The Duke of Sussex, 39, is here to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, which he founded back in 2014. The event celebrates the sporting abilities of wounded, injured and sick service people.

The Prince’s arrival was announced by ITV News’s royal editor, Chris Ship, on Twitter (X) this afternoon.

Ship wrote: “[Harry] landed here ahead of his St Paul’s Cathedral service tomorrow to mark 10 years of the @WeAreInvictus which he founded in 2014. He’s doing some Invictus related events today.”

King Charles “so pleased” about health in new update

Tuesday 7 May 2024 13:00 , Emma Guinness

King Charles is reportedly “so pleased” about the progress he is making on his cancer journey.

The revelation was made by Penny Mordaunt, the Lord President of the Privy Council, 51, who regularly meets with the King as part of her work.

Her comments come after the King returned to duty last Tuesday (1 May) after taking a step back following news of illness breaking in February.

“I think people won’t be surprised to know that he’s completely charming and always calm,” Mourdant told GB News.

“And he’s also got a really good sense of humour as well. But he’s always asking about how things are going, particularly issues that we’re dealing with in Parliament or about particular groups who he knows that are having a rough time.

“He’s always asking after those people, so he cares a great deal and he’s a delight to work with.

“He’s very good. And I know that he would have been so pleased to get back to public duties. He would have missed it tremendously.”

The King met with fellow cancer patients when he returned to duty last week (REUTERS)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s popularity revealed in new poll

Tuesday 7 May 2024 12:40 , Emma Guinness

A new poll from The Independent has found that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are viewed as “strongly favourable” by just nine per cent of British people.

The poll found that Harry, 39, was seen in a favourable light by 29 per cent of respondents while just 25 per cent had a favourable opinion of the Duchess of Sussex, 42.

Prince William and Kate Middleton emerged as the UK’s favourite royals in the poll, with Kate, 42, beating William, 41, by a hair’s breadth.

The Princess was given a favourability rating of 62 per cent while her husband was seen as favourable by 61 per cent of respondents.

A further 36 per cent of people said they saw Kate as “strongly favourable” and 34 per cent of those surveyed put the future king into this category too.

A new poll found Brits dramatically prefer Will and Kate to Harry and Meghan (PA)

King Charles’s sweet birthday present for Archie

Tuesday 7 May 2024 12:20 , Emma Guinness

King Charles reportedly sent Prince Harry’s eldest son Archie a sweet present for his fifth birthday.

The youngster turned five yesterday (6 May) and royal expert Tom Quinn speculated about the simple gift he would receive from the Monarch – a card and present.

“There has even been talk that he will send one of his own watercolour paintings to Archie as a present as Meghan loves homemade gifts and dislikes extravagant expensive presents,” Quinn told The Mirror.

Prince Archie is currently sixth in line to the throne after his father.

Prince Archie has just turned five (Getty Images)

Royal expert says Prince Harry should be ‘guest of honour'

Tuesday 7 May 2024 12:00 , Emma Guinness

A royal expert has said Prince Harry should be a “guest of honour” as he returns to the UK for the first time since February.

Mark Dolan said the Prince’s visit, which is to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, presents an opportunity for the family to “find a way back for Harry”.

The royal expert believes that the Prince’s strained relationship with his family could begin to be repaired if they make him a “guest of honour” on this week’s trip.

“In families as in friendships, I think you should have forgiveness. I think Harry should be staying at Buckingham Palace,” Dolan said.

“He should be a guest of honour. He should have more than a blink and you will miss it with his father, who let’s not forget is battling cancer.”

A royal expert believes this week’s visit could help heal strained relations in the royal family (Getty Images)

Prince Harry’s US visa under review

Tuesday 7 May 2024 11:40 , Emma Guinness

Prince Harry’s return to the UK comes amid an ongoing review of his US visa following revelations about past drug use in his 2023 memoir Spare.

An investigation was launched by a think tank group after the Prince, 39, admitted to using a range of substances, some as recently as 2016.

His application is now being reviewed in private to ascertain whether or not he lied about his usage.

Following the private review, a decision will be taken about whether or not to make the documents public.

Harry wrote: “Psychedelics did me some good as well. I’d experimented with them over the years, for fun, but now I’d begun to use them therapeutically, medicinally. They didn’t simply allow me to escape reality for a while.”

Prince Harry’s US visa application is under review after he opened up about his drug use in his 2023 memoir (REUTERS)

Sarah Ferguson “thriving”after getting the all clear from cancer

Tuesday 7 May 2024 11:20 , Emma Guinness

Sarah Ferguson is said to be “thriving” after finally getting the all-clear from cancer.

The Duchess of York, 64, shared her good news via her daughter, Princess Beatrice, 35, who praised her mum today (7 May) on this morning for the resilience she showed during her cancer battle.

“She’s such a phenomenal icon. As a mum, she’s been amazing. She’s been through so much and her sense of purpose and resilience really keeps me going,” Beatrice said.

Fergie was diagnosed with skin cancer after undergoing reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy to treat the breast cancer she was diagnosed with last summer.

Announcing her second cancer diagnosis in January, she thanked the public for their well wishes and said she remained in “good spirits”.

“Naturally another cancer diagnosis has been a shock, but I’m in good spirits and grateful for the many messages of love and support,” she wrote on Instagram at the time.

Fergie was diagnosed with two different types of cancer within a year (Getty Images)

Harry and Meghan’s good wishes for Kate

Tuesday 7 May 2024 10:54 , Emma Guinness

The Duke of Sussex has never made a secret of his disdain for the press and this was reflected in the statement he and Meghan Markle issued after Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis.

“We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace,” the couple said.

According to reports, despite living in California, when Prince Harry learned of the King’s cancer diagnosis, he immediately jumped on a plane to visit his father.

“I jumped on a plane and went to go see him as soon as I could,” Harry told Good Morning America at the time. “I love my family.”

Harry and Meghan sent their well wishes to Kate after her cancer diagnosis (AP)

Prince Harry will not stay at Buckingham Palace on trip

Tuesday 7 May 2024 10:48 , Emma Guinness

Prince Harry will stay at a hotel when he returns to the UK and not a royal residence despite being fifth in line to the throne.

This has been customary for the Duke of Sussex since he stepped down as a senior working royal with his wife Meghan Markle in 2020.

The Prince’s last official residence was Frogmore Cottage in Windsor.

Following the couple’s decision to step down as working royals, they repaid the £2.5m of public funds spent on its renovation.

The annual Sovereign Grant report from 2023 showed that the property remains vacant.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle no longer have a residence in the UK (REUTERS)

Prince Harry’s first visit since Kate’s cancer diagnosis

Tuesday 7 May 2024 10:39 , Emma Guinness

Prince Harry’s imminent return to the UK will be his first time stepping on British soil since Kate Middleton announced her cancer diagnosis in March.

It is not known whether Harry, 39, who was previously close to the Princess of Wales, 42, has plans to meet her on this trip, but royal expert Ingrid Seward said it is “unlikely”.

“If the King asks, she will do it,” Seward told The Mirror, “but Charles being the sensitive and understanding soul he is, would be unlikely to ask such a favor from his adored daughter-in-law.

“The time must be right, and it is not right now.”

Seward also said that a meeting with his estranged brother would likely be the last thing Prince William, 41, wants at this difficult time for his family.

“William has enough going on and doesn’t need the stress,” the royal expert said. “But he might realise Harry will want to see Kate after her cancer diagnosis as they were once so close.”

A royal expert believes it is unlikely Harry will meet with William and Kate on his visit (Getty Images)