In anticipation of his 75th birthday, King Charles is poised to revel in an intimate gathering on Tuesday night, surrounded by immediate family and close confidants at Clarence House.
Given that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have taken residence in Montecito, California, the query arises – will they traverse the vast distance to the United Kingdom for the festivity?
Recent reports suggested that Prince Harry and Meghan spurned an invitation; nevertheless, a spokesperson from the Sussexes’ team vehemently asserts that no such invitation was extended.
A representative for Harry and Meghan articulated, “Contrary to sensational headlines in the UK media, there has been no correspondence regarding an invitation to His Majesty’s impending birthday.”
The Duke’s relationship with his progenitor, Charles, and elder sibling, Prince William, has been strained, predating his and Meghan’s pivotal decision to withdraw from senior royal duties in 2020.
The previous year witnessed the release of a Netflix documentary series by the Sussexes, chronicling their encounters within the royal enclave and their subsequent relocation to the United States.
In his candid memoir, “Spare,” published in January, Harry delved into the intricate dynamics of his familial ties.
The Duke experienced a familial reunion at the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla in May, seated alongside his cousins, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, alongside their respective spouses.
Shortly following the historic ceremony at Westminster Abbey, he jetted back to the US, ensuring his presence in time to commemorate his son Prince Archie’s fourth birthday.
Harry’s most recent sojourn to the UK took place in September, attending the WellChild Awards in London, where he paid homage to his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, on the eve of the first anniversary of her demise.
With the royal family preparing to observe Remembrance this weekend, Harry and Meghan participated in the inauguration of a novel Navy Seal Foundation training center for military veterans in San Diego earlier this week.
Arrayed in red Remembrance poppies, the couple partook in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Warrior Fitness Programme facility.
The Duke and Duchess also engaged with servicemen and women, veterans, and their families at Camp Pendleton in San Diego.
In a video message for the 17th annual Stand Up For Heroes event held at the Lincoln Centre on Monday, Harry, who served in the armed forces for a decade, exhibited his military decorations.
He expressed, “Our military community is extraordinary. It is one that shares remarkable peaks and distressing nadirs. It is distinctive and holds immense significance for society, both in active service and beyond.
“Our community is esteemed more profoundly than one might comprehend, and occasions such as this stand as a testament to that reality.”