The King found time to hold a private meeting with David Beckham yesterday – after saying he was “too busy” to meet his son Prince Harry.
Cancer-stricken Charles hosted the ex-England captain, 49, at his country home of Highgrove, Glos, the Sun reports. No pictures were released of the meeting and it is unknown what was discussed.
It comes after the King’s packed schedule meant he didn’t have time to meet Harry, who was in London for three days this week. The Duke of Sussex, who travelled to London from California without wife Meghan to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, had hoped to visit King Charles.
But a spokesman confirmed they would not be catching up due to the King’s return to public duties, in what one Royal expert branded a ‘PR miss’.
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(Image: Getty Images)
A statement read: “In response to the many inquiries, it unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full programme.
“The Duke understands his father’s commitments.”
Harry’s relationship with the Royal Family has become fractured in recent years after he made explosive revelations TV interviews, a Netflix series and his shock memoir, Spare.
Becks – previously an ambassador for Harry’s Invictus Games – appears to have distanced himself from the Duke following his public outbursts.
(Image: Getty Images)
It was reported last year that former Manchester United star Beckham had accepted an invite to explore ways he and Charles could work together for the King’s Foundation charity, which provides skills training to youngsters.
Royal expert Roberta Fiorito said of the snub: “I do feel there’s a lot going on but I can’t imagine what it would mean publicly to see a Charles and Harry reunion at the garden party or at St Pauls.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
“I’m not expecting the same from William but I feel like the proximity is what I just keep mapping and tracking – I do think it’s interesting Harry got ahead of it slightly by releasing the news.”
Harry and wife Meghan yesterday began an unofficial three-day trip to Nigeria with a day of activities similar to a royal visit.
The couple saw traditional dancers, spoke on mental health at a school, and were hosted by Nigeria’s defence minister.
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