Prince Harry pictured after hopes of reunion with dad King Charles are dashed

Prince Harry was out in Washington, D.C. the same day it was confirmed that his father King Charles would be visiting the United States capital in less than a month. The Duke of Sussex, dressed in a navy suit, took to the main stage at the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) Global Summit on Tuesday for the closing general session, where he spoke about today’s digital world. The royal also sat down for a conversation with Joe Jones, IAPP’s director of research and insights.

Harry’s appearance at the summit followed confirmation that he will not be reuniting with his father in D.C. next month, when the King and Queen Camilla will undertake a state visit to the United States to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence. 

Although King Charles III is set to visit the United States, where his younger son has lived since 2020, a source close to the Duke of Sussex has confirmed that the California-based royal will not be traveling to the capital for a reunion in April.  

Harry and his father last saw each other in September for “private tea” at Clarence House during the Prince’s visit to the United Kingdom. A source close to the Spare author told HELLO! at the time: “I don’t think he’s [Harry] completely dropped the idea of feeling that he has been wronged in certain ways by the institution, but he would rather the opportunity for reconciliation.”

“With the passing of time, everything softens, especially when close family members are ill; that focuses the mind somewhat. He’s willing to be a bit more at peace with things, rather than battling constantly. It’s taken its toll.”

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The Duke’s decision not to visit D.C. when his father is in town comes after a report that he wanted to spend some “family time” with his father in Norfolk later this year. According to The Times, Harry hoped to be invited by the King to Sandringham, along with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their son Prince Archie and daughter Princess Lilibet. 

© Shannon Finney/Getty Images

However, a friend of the monarch has since told the Daily Mail : “If Harry truly wishes to see his father, he would do well to encourage his supporters to allow such matters to be discussed privately, since low trust and bitter experience in this regard remains one of the principal barriers to progress.”

While Harry won’t be returning to D.C. in April, the Duke has another trip just around the corner. He and Meghan Markle are heading Down Under in mid-April. A spokesperson for the couple previously said: “Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will visit Australia in mid-April to take part in a number of private, business, and philanthropic engagements. Further details will be shared in due course.”