Prince Harry entered St. Paul’s Cathedral accompanied by the cherished family of his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.
This solemn gathering was to mark a decade since the founding of the Invictus Games, an initiative close to Harry’s heart. Prince Harry immersed himself in celebrating the anniversary of the Invictus Games at St. Paul’s Cathedral. The service was not just a commemoration, but a reunion with Diana’s relatives and the “Invictus family”.
Meanwhile, a stone’s throw away, the regal splendour of Buckingham Palace gardens unfolded to welcome guests, courtesy of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Accompanied by the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
The 39-year-old duke set foot on British soil on Tuesday afternoon without his wife, Meghan Markle, 42, and their children, Archie and Lilibeth. The family’s absence was noted as Prince Harry joined the Thanksgiving service alone.
King Charles III, who has a busy schedule, did not find the opportunity to meet his son during this fleeting visit due to a “packed programme”. A spokesman for the Duke said:
“It unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full programme.”
Despite reportedly having trust issues, the spokesman said the Duke would like to “see him soon”. 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.”
The service was attended by members of Diana’s family, Lady Jane Fellowes and the Earl Spencer. Among the guests was Mark Dyer, a former army officer and Harry’s mentor.
Prince Harry has not visited the British Isles for a long time: he was last here in February to socialise with the King after being diagnosed with cancer.
A moment of levity punctuated the seriousness of the week when Prince Harry responded with a chuckle when asked by a journalist if he was “happy to be home”. It came as King Charles’ young son King Harry was leaving the summit in the Honourable Artillery Company.
The Invictus Games have become a beacon of hope and recovery for wounded, ill or injured veterans and active military personnel.
