Prince Harry’s meeting request ‘rejected’ by King Charles

A source familiar with Harry’s position said the invitation would have allayed those concerns.

They added: “If the King were to make a formal invitation, this would automatically activate a higher level of security arrangements, which could significantly change the feasibility of any visit. From Harry’s point of view, that kind of guaranteed protection is essential – without it he is unlikely to feel comfortable bringing Meghan and the children to Britain, given the concerns he has already raised about their safety.”

Sources say Harry would have “loved” the chance to spend time with his father and give his children the chance to reconnect with their grandfather, who they last saw during the Queen’s belated Platinum Jubilee in 2022.

However, another insider suggested that the emotional barriers remain as great as the logistical ones.

The source said: ‘There are still significant unresolved issues beneath the surface, and the level of trust that once existed has yet to be restored.

“Until meaningful progress is made on that front, even what should be a simple family visit becomes layered with difficulties, turning it into something much more complex than it should be.”