Prince Harry 'will fly straight back to US' after 'awkward' UK visit

Prince Harry 'will fly straight back to California' after 'quick and awkward' UK visit for King's coronation so he can get back in time to 'celebrate Archie's birthday', claims royal expert

Published: 17:00, 17 April 2023 | Updated: 17:00, 17 April 2023

Prince Harry 'will fly straight back to California' after 'quick and awkward' visit to the UK for the King's Coronation, according to a royal expert.

Following the crowning of his father Charles III, the Duke of Sussex, 38, will likely rush home to his Montecito mansion to 'celebrate late in the day' his son Prince Archie's fourth birthday, Jennie Bond told GB News.

It was confirmed last week that Prince Harry will attend the Coronation alone, while his wife Meghan Markle, 41, stays in California with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, one.

The Coronation, which is just three weeks away, will see both King Charles III and Queen Camilla crowned in front of 2,000 people in Westminster Abbey.

In a discussion during Breakfast with Eamonn Holmes and Isabel Webster, Jennie said: 'Harry's going to make a fleeting visit, we're told, for the coronation.

'It's not beyond the bounds of possibility that he will fly straight out after the ceremony and get back to California just about in time to celebrate late in the day with his little son, Archie, who's fourth birthday it is.

'It is certainly going to be a quick visit and an awkward one. I mean, who wouldn't be hurt by being called a villain, by being accused as Camilla was, of leaking stories to the press which she didn't leak.'

Queen Camilla was 'hurt' by Prince Harry's memoir Spare, in which she was labelled 'dangerous' and a 'villain', according to one of her closest friends.

Fiona, the Marchioness of Lansdowne, who was recently chosen to be one of the Queen's official companions, has long been a friend of the Queen and supported her during the 1990s when details of her relationship with Charles emerged.

She spoke about Camilla for the first time in an interview with the Sunday Times this weekend.

Harry claimed in Spare, which was published in January, that his father's wife leaked stories about the Royal Family to the media to bolster her image.

He added she had 'sacrificed him' in order to improve her reputation, and accused other palace sources of briefing the press about his wife Meghan.

In Spare, he wrote of Camilla: 'I have complex feelings about gaining a step-parent who I thought had recently sacrificed me on her personal PR altar.'

Prince Harry 'will fly straight back to California' after 'quick and awkward' visit to the UK for the King's Coronation, according to a royal expert. Pictured, Harry and Charles in September 2022

Following the crowning of his father Charles III, the Duke of Sussex, 38, will likely rush home to his Montecito mansion to 'celebrate late in the day' his son (pictured together) Prince Archie's fourth birthday, Jennie Bond told GB News

Harry also said that he and his brother William had 'begged' their father not to marry Camilla because they feared she would become their 'wicked stepmother'.

In another blow, Harry described Camilla as 'dangerous' and a 'villain' who left 'bodies in the street' in her desire to change the public's perception of her.

At the time, there was no word on how the new Queen felt but an aide has now told The Sunday Times: 'It was not stamping of feet or gnashing of teeth - it was much more of an eye-roll response.'

Lady Lansdowne also spoke to the paper and said: 'Of course it bothers her, of course it hurts. But she doesn't let it get to her.

Her philosophy is always, "Don't make a thing of it and it will settle down - least said, soonest mended." '

Jennie said: '[Prince Harry] didn't do his research properly. He made some very unpleasant accusations about Camilla and she has been magnanimous.

'Of course, you will be polite, to be courteous, I assume Harry will be as well, but it's not going to be an easy weekend.'

The royal expert also told of how the Duke is expected to snub the King by not attending a lunch after the ceremony next month, scuppering hopes of a reconciliation.

The late Queen Elizabeth II, Charles, Camilla, William, Kate, Harry and Meghan attend the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on March 9, 2020

Jennie said: 'He is not going to attend the lunch afterwards, as far as we know and we're told that maybe a place will be set in case he changes his mind.

'I don't think he'll change his mind. I actually think he will head straight back to California, probably within a couple of hours of ripping off his suit or whatever he's wearing and getting into his jeans and off he goes back to California.

'It's not going to happen.

They're not going to get close,' added the journalist.

It comes following reports that Prince William has no plans to reunite with his younger brother when the Duke of Sussex visits the UK for the King's Coronation.

Royal insiders revealed that Harry had a heartfelt talk with his father on Saturday in an attempt to ease tensions, but has not addressed the ongoing dispute with William.

It is also understood that there will be no time for the pair to meet during Harry's trip for the May 6 event, The Sun reported.

Ingrid Seward, editor of Majesty Magazine, told the newspaper that the royals all have 'really tight schedules' and she thinks Harry addressing his relationship with William is 'for another time'.

The royal expert noted it would be 'nice' for Harry to 'stick around and be friendly'. However, it is understood that the Duke's solo trip across the pond will be short.

'Out of politeness you'd think Harry would want to mingle with his family no matter how difficult that might be for him,' she said.

Ms Seward added that she is 'glad' Harry has spoken with Charles because it has 'eased the path to rapprochement'.

She said: 'Charles will welcome his son. I think his relationship with William is for another time.'

William, 40, and Harry will see each other during the Coronation.

This is understood to be the first time the pair will face each other since Harry released his memoir - which saw him brand his brother as his 'arch-nemesis'.

Harry has also publicly called on his family to apologise to himself and Meghan for what they see as slights.

Charles is said to be very pleased his youngest son is coming and his mood is described as 'generally quite forgiving', however, the Prince of Wales is understood to still feel betrayed and angry, particularly by the revelations in the memoir.

Sources have recently alleged the 'gulf' between the brothers, who were once as close as siblings could be, is now so large they cannot see how their relationship can ever be repaired.

It is also reportedly unlikely that the pair will have a sit down - which insiders have previously claimed that Harry demanded.