The Royal Family presented a united front at the first Buckingham Palace garden party of the season, led by King Charles who appeared in high spirits despite the absence of his son Prince Harry. Dressed in traditional top hat and tails, the 75-year-old monarch laughed and chatted amiably with some of the 8,000 guests, just 24 hours after it was confirmed he would not meet Harry during the Duke’s visit to the UK.
According to a report by Daily Express, Charles was joined by the Queen, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Anne, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester for the sunny spring event. The only senior royals missing were the Prince and Princess of Wales – William had conducted an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle earlier in the day, while Kate remains off public duties as she undergoes chemotherapy treatment. Their absence did not diminish the clear show of solidarity for the King, who recently returned to royal engagements for the first time since his cancer diagnosis.
While Charles continues his treatment, each public appearance is carefully managed to balance meeting as many people as possible with protecting his health. At the garden party, he appeared completely at ease, spending ample time chatting with attendees and even removing his top hat to wave it exuberantly as a crowd greeted him by singing the national anthem. He then made his way along the lines, shaking hands and grinning broadly. One man clasped Charles’ hand, saying emotionally “God bless you. I’ve dreamt of this all my life.” Another told him “So glad you are looking so much better.” The King responded with a warm smile, “I’m not doing badly.”
Numerous well-wishers inquired after Charles’ health, expressing their delight at seeing him back on duty. “How are you feeling, Sir?” one asked, to which he replied “Not too bad.” Although there were expectations he might depart slightly early, the King stayed until around 5pm as is customary before heading inside for his weekly audience with the Prime Minister and a Privy Council meeting.
Just two miles away at St Paul’s Cathedral, Prince Harry was marking the 10th anniversary of his Invictus Games with a special service. Wearing his military medals and insignia as a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, the Duke waved to cheering crowds before being greeted at the cathedral steps by the Dean, the Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett. Among the 1,000 guests were Harry’s aunt Lady Jane Fellowes, uncle Earl Spencer, his longtime mentor Mark Dyer, and lawyer David Sherborne.
After exchanging a brief word with his uncle, Harry joined the congregation for the opening hymn “Praise My Soul The King Of Heaven.” He later gave a bible reading, and acclaimed actor Damian Lewis recited the “Invictus” poem by William Ernest Henley. An emotional highlight came from former Invictus Games competitor Michelle Turner, who shared a powerful testimony about how the event changed her life. “The power of sport has forever united us all,” she told the rapt audience. “Thank you Invictus for giving me my life back.” Her words prompted a standing ovation.
The Dean paid tribute to those lost in conflict, and a piper played “Flowers of the Forest” in solemn remembrance. The theme of the service was celebrating the lives transformed through the power of sport over the past decade of the Invictus Games.
Harry had arrived in the UK on Tuesday ahead of the commemorations, attending a summit shortly after landing where he reflected “Sometimes you…look back and go ‘Look at what we’ve done’.” His visit marked a milestone for the Paralympic-style competition he founded in 2014 for injured service members and veterans.
While father and son were just miles apart, Charles opted not to meet with Harry during this UK trip amid the ongoing tensions stemming from the Duke’s memoir Spare and string of interviews accusing the Palace of misconduct. The King’s firm focus remained on his garden party hosting duties and ensuring a unified display from the Royal Family.
