Harry to return to the UK ahead of first anniversary of the late Queen's death - 'but won't be joined by Meghan'

24 August 2023, 09:11 | Updated: 24 August 2023, 09:46

Harry will return to the UK to attend a charity awards ceremony on the eve of the first anniversary of the late Queen's death.
Harry will return to the UK to attend a charity awards ceremony on the eve of the first anniversary of the late Queen's death. Picture: Alamy

By Emma Soteriou

Prince Harry is returning to the UK on the eve of the anniversary of the late Queen's death but is not expected to be joined by Meghan and will not meet with his family.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Harry will attend a charity awards ceremony in London on September 7, celebrating the achievements and resilience of seriously ill youngsters and their families supported by WellChild.

But he has "no intention" to see Prince William or the King during his whirlwind trip, insiders have said.

Despite his trip providing a good opportunity for the family to "settle their differences", relations remain "firmly rooted at rock bottom", sources told the Mirror.

Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral in Scotland on September 8 last year, aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.

The King and Queen are expected to mark the first anniversary of her death privately at their Balmoral estate.

Prince Andrew is also expected to join the royals at the Scottish residence, accompanied by his daughters.

Read more: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle set for first joint public appearance since New York paparazzi chase

Read more: Prince Harry releases first look at 'Heart of Invictus' documentary ahead of games

Harry will not be joined by Meghan for the event
Harry will not be joined by Meghan for the event. Picture: Alamy

Harry is not expected to be joined by Meghan for his stop off in the UK either, with her instead expected to fly straight to Germany from California for the Invictus Games next month, according to the Telegraph.

The prince has been WellChild's patron for 15 years and regularly attends its annual awards ceremony but is not expected to be joined by the Duchess of Sussex, who has been a guest at past events.

The 2022 WellChild awards took place on the day the Queen died, and the duke and duchess withdrew from the event with Harry flying to Scotland to be with other members of the royal family.

The awards ceremony is being held a few days before Harry's 2023 Games - for wounded military personnel and veterans - begins in Dusseldorf, Germany, on September 9 and staged over eight days.

"For nearly 20 years, WellChild has been transforming the lives of children and young people across the UK, providing critical care that prioritises the physical, mental and emotional well-being of these individuals and their families," Harry said.

Harry is not expected to meet with the King and Queen to mark the first anniversary of the late Queen's death
Harry is not expected to meet with the King and Queen to mark the first anniversary of the late Queen's death. Picture: Alamy

During the event, the duke will spend time with each winner and their families at a pre-ceremony reception before presenting the award for Inspirational Child (aged four to six) and delivering a speech.

Matt James, WellChild chief executive, said: "The number of children and young people in the UK living with long-term, complex medical needs is growing.

"The WellChild Awards 2023, in association with GSK, will be a unique opportunity to shine a light on the immense challenges they face and to celebrate their remarkable resilience and spirit.

"It will also provide an opportunity to recognise the selfless dedication of those around them, from siblings and parent carers to the professionals who have gone above and beyond to give them the very best chance to thrive."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Labour divided over assisted dying as MP who introduced bill hits out at Health Secretary

Labour divided over assisted dying bill as MP tabling legislation labels Wes Streeting's objections 'disappointing'

Reverend Sue Colman was asked to step back after the Makin Report found her and her husband Jason knew about John Smyth's abuse and failed to act

Mustard heir and Church of England minister wife step back from church roles after damning abuse report

File photo of Broadway Market, where the attack took place

Horror as 'man doused in bleach' in busy Hackney market with manhunt underway and attacker still at loose

Former Met Police officer David Carrick pleads not guilty to string of sex attacks including indecent assault against teen

Former Met Police officer David Carrick pleads not guilty to sex attacks including indecent assault against teen

Jack Bradley took part in the failed ram raid

Moment drug addict in 4x4 rams Tesco superstore in failed bid to steal safe, with terrified staff still inside shop

ZM712, a Boeing Apache AH2 operated by the UK's Army Air Corps, departing from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England after participating in the Royal International Air Tattoo 2024 (RIAT24).

Drunken soldiers caught during Apache cockpit romp spark military safety review

Eva Longoria, a Texas native, has said she is 'done' with the US after Trump's second election win

Eva Longoria reveals she has fled 'dystopian' America as Trump names radical right wing cabinet

Dog-free zones should be introduced to tackle racism, the Welsh government has been told.

Dog-free zones needed in countryside to tackle racism, Welsh government told

A 'major' suspected people smugger has been arrested in Amsterdam

'Major' Turkish supplier of small boats for Channel migrant crossings arrested as 'British FBI' swoop in airport

Clifton Suspension Bridge has quit Elon Musk's X after 15 years on the site.

Clifton suspension bridge dramatically departs from Twitter sparking wave of online jokes

Exclusive
Students take gap years and ‘neglect studies’ as survey suggests Edinburgh rents skyrocketed by nearly two thirds in a year.

Students take gap years and ‘neglect studies’ as survey suggests Edinburgh rents skyrocketed by nearly two thirds in a year

Two Just Stop Oil protesters charged over June's incident

Two Just Stop Oil activists charged after orange paint thrown over Stonehenge

Man arrested after reports of person carrying knives outside Houses of Parliament

Man charged with carrying offensive weapons after 'knife' incident near Parliament

Exclusive
Michael Harris died in an e-scooter crash

'My best friend was killed in an e-scooter crash - I'm urging the government not to legalise them for use on roads'

Hilkiah McLeggan, 77, from Southwark, was pronounced dead at the scene in East Street, Walworth.

First picture of Walworth market 'knife rampage' victim as suspect appears in court

Police at Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage where three people died and seven people were taken to hospital

Woman arrested over Dorset care home deaths released without charge