On the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s death on September 8, 2022, Prince Harry turned down an invitation from his father, King Charles, to gather at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
This gesture by King Charles was widely reported as an “olive branch,” indicating a desire to bridge the gap between them, especially given the significance of the anniversary. However, Harry cited a busy travel schedule as the reason for his absence.
Instead of joining the Royal family at Balmoral, Harry chose to conduct a brief solo vigil at Queen Elizabeth’s resting place, St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, before the family’s scheduled visit. Following this, he departed for Germany to attend the Invictus Games, joined later by his wife, Meghan Markle.
Experts have weighed in on the situation, noting the significance of the missed opportunity. Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, mentioned that this was a “golden opportunity missed.” According to her, accepting such a significant invitation should ideally supersede other engagements.
Earlier, Harry had formally requested accommodation and security for a one-night stopover in London, which was denied due to unavailability. The strained relations between Prince Harry and the Royal family have been public knowledge, with Harry’s recent actions and decisions adding to the existing tension.
This gesture by King Charles, while commendable, highlights the ongoing complexities within the Royal family dynamics.