Despite the previously announced absence of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from King Charles' upcoming coronation, the King made time to meet with David Beckham to discuss his charity work.
Days after Prince Harry's spokesperson confirmed that he would not meet with his father, King Charles, due to the King's "full" schedule, the King has sparked further controversy by taking time to meet with David Beckham. According to The Times, King Charles and the retired professional soccer player had a "private meeting" on Friday to discuss the King's charity, the King's Foundation.
This decision has raised eyebrows, considering that Prince Harry is currently in London for the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, an event that commemorates the achievements of service personnel and their families. The Duke of Sussex arrived in London earlier this week without wife Meghan Markle and participated in a panel discussion on Tuesday, highlighting the challenges faced by military veterans.
The following day, Prince Harry appeared at St. Paul's Cathedral for a service commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. On the same day, King Charles and Queen Camilla welcomed thousands of guests to Buckingham Palace for the first garden party of 2024, a longstanding tradition dating back to the 1860s. Other royals in attendance included Princess Anne, Prince Edward, the Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
A spokesperson for Prince Harry previously confirmed to Fox News Digital that the prince would not be meeting with his father during his visit to London, citing the King's "full programme" of commitments. The statement emphasized that Prince Harry understood his father's busy schedule and hoped to see him soon.
However, the news that King Charles prioritized a meeting with David Beckham over his son has been met with criticism. Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner told Fox News Digital that the announcement was another "slap in the face" for Prince Harry, particularly considering that Prince Harry had served in the Army Air Corps, the regiment that King Charles gave to Prince William.
Pelham Turner believes that the King's decision to snub his son sends the wrong message, especially in light of the Invictus Games event that Prince Harry is attending. He suggests that the King's actions may alienate the public and further fuel the tension between the royal family and the Duke of Sussex.
Fox News Digital reached out to Buckingham Palace for comment on the meeting between King Charles and David Beckham, but no immediate response was received.
This latest development in the ongoing saga between King Charles and Prince Harry highlights the complex dynamics within the royal family and raises questions about the future of the monarchy. It remains to be seen how Prince Harry will respond to the King's decision and whether further rifts will emerge in the family.
