Prince Harry Marks Decade of Invictus Games as Royal Family Attends Separate Event
As Prince Harry celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games at a special event in London, his family, including King Charles III, was notably absent, attending a garden party just miles away at Buckingham Palace, via New York Post. The Duke of Sussex, who founded the Invictus Games in 2014 to support wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women, hosted a thanksgiving service at St. Paul’s Cathedral—a location steeped in his family’s history as the marriage site of his parents.
The anniversary event highlighted Harry’s ongoing commitment to the Games, which first took place at London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in September 2014. The celebration was marked by readings and performances, including a poignant recitation of William Ernest Henley’s “Invictus” poem by actor Damien Lewis, symbolizing the resilient spirit the Games aim to foster.
Meanwhile, the senior royals, including Queen Camilla, Anne, Princess Royal, and Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, were engaged in the season’s first garden party at Buckingham Palace, a traditional gathering that King Charles and other family members attended. Notably absent from both the garden party and the Invictus service were Prince William and Kate Middleton, with William engaged in official duties at Windsor and Kate continuing her break from public appearances due to her ongoing cancer treatment.
Despite hopes for a father-son reunion during Harry’s trip, a spokesperson for the Duke confirmed that a meeting with King Charles would not be feasible due to the King’s “full programme.” The statement emphasized that while the Duke was hopeful for a future meeting, the current royal schedules did not align.
“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 spokesperson said. “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 uncle, Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer, attended the anniversary service, showing familial support amidst the broader royal absence. After the service, Harry’s schedule included participating in a panel titled “Realising a Global Community” at the Honourable Artillery Company, further underscoring his active involvement with the Invictus Games community.
Following his engagements in the UK, Prince Harry will reunite with his wife, Meghan Markle, for a trip to Nigeria, responding to an invitation by the country’s Chief of Defense Staff. This visit is seen as part of their broader humanitarian efforts and commitment to global service.
King Charles, recently returning to his royal duties after a cancer diagnosis, last saw his son during a brief visit in February, reflecting both the physical and perhaps emotional distance between them as they navigate their respective public duties and personal challenges.