When King Charles was crowned in May this year, many royal observers hoped that this new era in the history of the British crown might be marked by greater unity and stability within the Windsor clan.
But obviously, the last six months have not been like this.
Instead, the rift between the two warring factions is growing deeper than ever.
And now, it seems Charles’ upcoming birthday party has become the unexpected scene of the family’s latest fight.
Over the weekend, UK newspaper The sunday times It was reported that Harry has declined an invitation to the King’s banquet on November 14.
“He would never invite his son to a family gathering, because that’s not who he is,” a supposed palace source told the newspaper.
Now, in an unexpected move, representatives for Harry and Meghan have hit back by releasing a statement daily Mail,
“There has been no contact regarding invitations to Her Majesty’s upcoming birthday,” the representative says.
“It’s disappointing sunday times “This story has been misrepresented.”
Match We also spoke to a source “close to the Sussexes” who said:
“He had not received any invitation and was unaware of any celebration until the stories emerged. I’m sure the Duke will find a way to reach out personally to wish Her Majesty a happy birthday as he has always done.
So why the conflicting accounts?
Well, a third source, identified as a “friend of the couple,” has a theory.
This person believes Buckingham Palace officials created the birthday controversy to distract from Charles’ recent disastrous visit to Kenya, during which he was reluctant to apologize for Britain’s history of colonial atrocities in the East African country. The king was criticized for.
“The story is being spun to make it seem like the Duke is neglecting his father, which is not the case,” the insider explains.
“Considering a trip [to Kenya] “No good, it might be a welcome distraction.”
Speaking of high-profile royal events, Buckingham Palace is concerned about the possibility that Harry and Meghan’s statement will overshadow two important occasions in the life of the king and his successor.
Prince William is in Singapore this week to present the Earthshot Prize, his annual award for the top climate change scientists of the year.
Meanwhile, Charles opened a new legislative session of Parliament, his first time as king.
Of course, the international press is more focused on the birthday bash – which may have been what Harry and Meghan had in mind when they released their statement today.
