Harry 'deeply stung' by King Charles' 'snub' after monarch was 'too busy' to ... trends now

Prince Harry was 'deeply stung' by King Charles' 'snub' during his whistle-stop trip to the UK, his friends have revealed. 

Speculation had been growing there would be a reunion between the Duke of Sussex, 39, and his cancer-stricken father during his three-day stay in London this week to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Invictus Games. 

Those close to Harry say the prince put in a request to see his father well in advance of him making the 5,000 mile journey from his home in California with the visit 'long on the radar'. 

But despite Harry and the 75-year-old monarch, at times, being just miles apart Charles told his son he was 'too busy' to see him during his rare and short trip. 

Sources in the Duke's camp say he had notified his father of an intent to see him during the trip. However, those within the King's circles insist that there was no notification given by Harry ahead of time. 

In remarks reported by The Times, sources close to Harry said a request was put in to see his father well in advance of the visit.

Royal protocols reportedly require the Duke to give 28 days' warning to the King and the Home Office to request security.

He is also reported to have asked to stay in a royal residence on his short trip - before changing his mind and opting for a hotel. 

But while the King is said to have signed off on a request by Harry to stay in a royal residence the visit never came to pass - and sources say regardless of the request the Duke did not seek to see his father. 

A spokesperson for the Duke claimed Charles was too busy to see his son, saying on Tuesday: 'It unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full programme.

'The duke is of course understanding of his father’s diary commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.'

Sources close to Harry said they were bemused that the King did not see his son and the missed opportunity is said to have 'deeply stung' the estranged Duke.  

One friend, who spent time with Harry this week, told The Times: 'It surprises me a lot. I was fully expecting them to meet. I know that's what he wanted to happen and I don't know when he's back.'