Prince Harry rejected an offer from King Charles to mark the anniversary of the Queen’s death with him as Balmoral.
Royal commentators have expressed their shock at Harry’s snub of the King’s offer, which they say showed the monarch was willing to forgive his son for his repeated attacks against the Royal Family.
The Duke of Sussex instead chose to spend the anniversary of his grandmother’s death alone, before heading to the Invictus Games later that day.
Earlier this month, Harry asked the King’s Office for accommodation and security for his sole night in the UK.
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He was appearing at a party for charity WellChild in London on September 7, before jetting off to Dusseldorf, Germany the next day.
However, he was told by a senior aide that none of the family’s residences in or around London were free to use, as most staff were instead in the Highlands.
The Duke was told that he could instead spend the night at Balmoral, where Charles and Camilla were staying to commemorate the late Queen on the anniversary of her death.
If Harry had accepted the invitation, it would have reunited him with his father and stepmother.
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The reunion would have only lasted a few hours, but it would be the longest time the family members would have spent together in a year.
Yet Harry declined the hospitable invitation, allegedly claiming that his itinerary did not allow for such a diversion up to Scotland.
Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, said: “For Harry this was a golden opportunity missed.
“He should have braved it out and gone to see them. If the King invites you to Balmoral, then most people would cancel all of their travel plans.
Harry flew out to Germany later that day
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“He could have easily re- arranged things slightly to allow himself the time.
“Any attempts for a rapprochement must be on the King’s terms. I’m glad he is showing some backbone and offering this olive branch.
“But Harry must have known that not only the King but the whole of the Royal Court decamp to Balmoral for the summer and that was the only place he could go."
Harry held a short vigil alone at the Queen’s final resting place at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.
In Scotland, the King and Queen engaged in private prayer and reflection at Crathie Kirk.
Harry, who now resides in California, must obtain permission to stay in a royal residence.