King Charles Prioritizes David Beckham Meeting over Prince Harry's Request

Despite Prince Harry's visit to London, King Charles has declined to meet with his son due to his busy schedule, while finding time to meet with David Beckham for charity-related matters.

In a surprising turn of events, King Charles has reportedly met with retired soccer star David Beckham for a private meeting to discuss the King's Foundation charity, while declining to see his son, Prince Harry, during his visit to London.

According to The Times, the meeting between the king and Beckham took place on Friday, coinciding with Harry's arrival in the capital ahead of his trip to Nigeria with his wife, Meghan Markle. The Duke of Sussex had hoped to meet with his father, but a spokesperson for the prince confirmed that the king's "full" schedule would prevent it.

"In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not The Duke will meet with his father while in the UK this week, it, unfortunately, will not be possible due to His Majesty's full programme," the statement read.

The news came as a disappointment to Harry, who had reportedly been eager to see his father, especially in light of the recent announcement that his brother, Prince William, will succeed King Charles as colonel in chief of the Army Air Corps.

Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner described the decision as "one slap in the face after another for Harry," adding that it was a "mistake" for the king not to make time for his son. Turner argued that such actions would only escalate tensions between the royal family members.

Meanwhile, King Charles and Queen Camilla welcomed thousands of guests to Buckingham Palace for the first garden party of 2023, attended by other members of the royal family, including Princess Anne and Prince Edward.

Harry's absence from the event was notable, as was his and Markle's absence from other recent royal engagements, such as the funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II and the King's Coronation Concert.

Sources close to the Sussexes have indicated that they have been "disappointed" by the lack of communication and support from the royal family since their decision to step down as senior royals and move to the United States.

Despite the strained relationship, Harry has expressed hope for reconciliation in the future. "I love my father. I love my brother. I love my family," he said in an interview with Oprah Winfrey. "Nothing will ever change that."

However, the recent events suggest that the path to mending the royal rift may be long and difficult.