Queen Camilla visited Moreland Primary School in London to officially open their Coronation Library at the same time as her stepson Prince Harry was in the capital after returning for a special event connected to his Invictus Games
Queen Camilla got a rapturous welcome at a London school – less than a mile from where Prince Harry attended an Invictus Games event today.
The wife of the King visited Moreland Primary School in Islington, where she had the honour of officially opening its Coronation Library in her role as patron of the National Literacy Trust. It came as Harry attended an event at Armoury House in the east of the capital and it was confirmed he would not be meeting with his father, the monarch, during his short visit to the UK.
On arriving at the school today, Camilla greeted those who had come out to see her, shaking hands and petting dogs. She then took part in some interactive story-telling and heard about what books children at the school have been reading. After officially opening the library, she then moved to the schoolyard, where she was serenaded by the school choir and was given a send-off by young children waving Union flags.
The visit came at the same time that Harry took part in a panel discussion hosted by former BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin at a one-day summit, called the Invictus Games Foundation Conversation.
Harry has had a frosty relationship with his dad, especially since he was highly critical of his royal relatives in his controversial memoir Spare – and was particularly scathing about his Camilla.
And earlier today in a statement, his spokesperson said: “It unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full programme. The Duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”
Harry’s trip to the UK is his second to Britain this year, after February’s trip to see his dad a day after it was announced Charles had cancer. Harry managed to see his ailing father for just 30 minutes at Clarence House. It marked a healing step in their relationship that was dented after Harry and Meghan quit royal life in 2020 and moved to the US. In a recent US TV interview, Harry said he hoped the King’s Âdiagnosis can have a “reunifying effect” on the family.
A reunion with his estranged older brother Prince William also does not seem to be on the cards either. An insider said: “Their relationship remains extremely fractured. Harry has privately expressed a wish to sit down with his brother but now is not the time.”
Harry will meet up with Meghan later in the week when the pair embark on a tour of Nigeria, where they are expected to meet with military staff.
The service at St Paul’s is scheduled two days after Harry’s son Prince Archie celebrates his fifth birthday. Actor Damian Lewis is set to recite the Invictus poem during the service. Representatives from Invictus Games participating nations, including members of the wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veteran community, will also be in attendance.
