Prince Harry makes rare public appearance in Britain, attends Invictus Games service

TOI World Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: May 8, 2024, 22:21 IST

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Prince Harry made a notable appearance in his native Britain on Wednesday, attending a service of thanksgiving at London's St Paul's Cathedral to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. His solitary presence at the event drew considerable focus, shedding light on the strained dynamics within his family.

Prince Harry makes rare public appearance in Britain, attends Invictus Games service

Britain's Prince Harry waves as he arrives to attend a ceremony marking 10th anniversary of Invictus Games (AFP photo)

NEW DELHI: Prince Harry attended a service of thanksgiving in Britain on Wednesday to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. The event, held at London's St Paul's Cathedral, saw Harry, 39, make a rare public appearance in his home country. His strained relationship with his family garnered significant attention as he appeared alone at the event.
The younger son of King Charles, Harry currently resides in California with his wife Meghan and their two children.

His recent memoir, interviews, and TV documentaries have contributed to his estrangement from other members of the royal family, as he openly criticized both them and the institution itself.
Despite a brief reunion with his father, King Charles, following the announcement of the monarch's cancer diagnosis in February, there are no plans for the father and son to meet during Harry's latest trip to the UK. A spokesperson for Harry, the Duke of Sussex, cited the king's busy schedule as the reason for the missed opportunity, saying that Harry understands his father's commitments and priorities.
While Harry attended the Invictus Games service at St Paul's Cathedral, King Charles hosted the first annual garden party at Buckingham Palace, accompanied by other senior royals. Additionally, the king was scheduled to carry out engagements at a military training base the following day.

Harry's presence at the service marked the sole royal figure in attendance, highlighting his association with the international sporting event he founded in 2014 for wounded military personnel. He arrived at the cathedral alone, greeted by a crowd outside, and was scheduled to provide a reading during the service. Actor Damian Lewis also participated, reciting a poem to the congregation, which included veterans and wounded service personnel.
Following his departure from Britain, Harry will be joined by Meghan for a visit to Nigeria. Meghan did not accompany Harry on his trip to London.
(With agency inputs)

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