Prince Harry says he is 'happy to be back in the UK' despite rumours of rift with King Charles

The former Royal Family member landed in London earlier this week to speak at an event to mark the 10th anniversary of his Invictus Games. Only a short trip across the city would see his father, King Charles, throw a Buckingham Palace garden party on the same day.

However, the two never crossed paths during Harry’s visit, with a spokesman for the Duke of Sussex stating that the King’s “full programme” prevented the pair from finding time to meet during Harry’s visit from the US. Now, at a charity event, Harry has said that it was “great” to be back in the UK.

Speaking to the BBC at an event for charity Scotty's Little Soldiers, which helps bereaved children of military personnel, Harry said that his visit and the chance to see the work of charities had been “amazing”. He added: "The more opportunity you get to do these kinds of events, the more the families and kids know this place exists which is really the most important thing."

Georgia Paterson, 16, said she had an “amazing” conversation with the Duke at the event, adding: “Prince Harry was the best person to share that experience with because he’s been through it and understands better than anyone. It was really moving to see how vulnerable he was with us, which encouraged us to open up as well.”

His short visit to the UK saw him attend a thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Cathedral to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, which Harry founded in 2014. His wife, Meghan Markle, and the couple’s two children, Archie and Lilibet, did not join him on his travels across the Atlantic.

Although the service was not attended by any family members from the Windsor side of the family, Harry’s uncle and Princess Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer, was among those to show up in support for Harry. At the same time, King Charles and Queen Camilla were holding a Buckingham Palace garden party, the first of two due to take place this summer.

He is due to meet Meghan in Nigeria on Friday ahead of a three-day visit planned for the couple. During the visit to the west African country, he will visit a military hospital as well as the couple making appearances at a handful of other charity and cultural events.