King Charles has “sent a message” to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with an “obviously intentional” announcement, according to royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams.
Harry was in the UK for a short stay to mark the 10th anniversary of his Invictus Games.
There was no meeting with his cancer-stricken father, with the duke’s team putting out a statement to say the monarch’s “full programme” made such an arrangement not possible.
The King soon after announced his intention to hand over a senior military role to his son Prince William at a ceremony.
Richard Fitzwilliams says King Charles delivered a message to his youngest son
PA / GB NEWS
According to Fitzwilliams, this was a message from the King amid simmering tensions in the royal establishment.
“There is a lot of controversy here”, he said.
“This was initially announced in August last year but the joint engagement today, which is very significant, was arranged just about a week ago, last Tuesday to be precise.
“As we all remember, Harry came to Britain and a statement was put out saying the King was too busy to meet him.
“An hour later, this joint engagement was announced, that was clearly no coincidence.
“A royal source has disputed Harry’s comments, the whole thing is rather extraordinary.”
Tensions between Harry and William are rifePA
Richard Fitzwilliams joined Tom Harwood and Emily Carver on GB News
GB NEWS
Asked by Tom Harwood whether the King wants to “send a message”, Fitzwilliams said there is “no doubt”.
“Royal activities don’t occur by accident”, he said.
“This specific piece of timing, it’s obvious it was intentional. I do think we have to wonder about what the Sussexes spokesperson said.”
The King met the Prince of Wales today for a rare joint engagement.
He had been colonel-in-chief of the Army Air Corps for 32 years and has been succeeded now by his eldest son.
The King arrived by helicopter at the Army Aviation Centre in Hampshire.
It comes as the monarch continues his gradual return to public engagements, all while his cancer treatment continues.