The Duke of Sussex’s recent U.K. visit raised questions after he missed a close friend’s important occasion. A source later explained the reason for his absence.
On April 5, Charles, Lord Vivian, married U.S. compliance director Saweda Kamara at Chelsea Old Town Hall in London, marking his second marriage. Although Prince Harry was in the city at the time, he did not attend the wedding.
Prince Harry arrives in London on April 8, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
According to The Daily Mail, the Duke of Sussex, 40, once stood alongside Charles and others in a “band of brothers” photo taken at Windsor Castle on the night of his 2018 wedding — an image later featured in the Netflix series “Harry & Meghan.”
Charles, 58, told the outlet that Harry had been invited to his and Saweda’s wedding but said, “I don’t know. He has a lot on.” His absence was especially notable, as he had previously served as an usher at Charles’s first wedding to Elizabeth Wimpress.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex outside the St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, in Windsor, England, on May 19, 2018. | Source: Getty Images
Among the guests who attended Charles and Saweda’s wedding was Mark Dyer, 59, a former Welsh Guards officer described as Harry’s “second father.”
He was the one who introduced Harry to Charles, a public relations executive who reportedly assisted with several of the prince’s charitable trips to Africa.
Harry’s nonappearance on Charles’s special day followed a similar pattern in recent years. In June 2024, he did not attend the wedding of Olivia Henson and his longtime friend Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster, as reported by People.
The high-society ceremony took place at Chester Cathedral in northern England and was attended by 400 guests, including Princess Eugenie and Prince William, who served as an usher.
Hugh Grosvenor and Olivia Henson leave Chester Cathedral in England after their wedding on June 7, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Although Harry had been invited, both he and the groom recognized the logistical challenges. A source close to the couple described it as “an understanding between the two friends.”
With Harry now based in California and no longer holding a U.K. residence following the loss of Frogmore Cottage, the trip proved difficult. Still, he reportedly sent “his love and support and admiration for the couple.” In 2023, he also missed the wedding of another close friend, Jack Mann.
Prince Harry arrives at Westminster Abbey in London for the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on May 6, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Regarding his absence from Charles’s wedding, a source told People that Harry’s absence was due to the lack of official security during his visit, which made it “very challenging” to travel or participate in public events.
Harry arrives at Britain’s High Court in London for his legal fight over U.K. security on April 8, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
The Duke of Sussex reportedly arrived on Sunday, April 6, and appeared in London two days later for a security hearing at the Court of Appeal.
Harry’s court appearance in London came as other members of the Royal Family focused on international duties.
Prince Harry arrives at the Royal Courts of Justice in London on April 8, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
On April 7, King Charles III and Queen Camilla embarked on a four-day state visit to Italy, designed to celebrate and strengthen the longstanding ties between the United Kingdom and Italy.
During their visit, the royal couple made appearances in both Rome and Ravenna, utilizing the soft power of the monarchy to foster diplomatic goodwill and highlight the cultural connections shared between the two nations.
Originally, the itinerary included a formal state visit to the Holy See. However, this portion was canceled due to Pope Francis’s ongoing recovery following his recent hospitalization for double pneumonia. In light of this change, the royal delegation redirected its focus toward other engagements in Rome.
To accommodate the revised schedule, the remaining events in the capital were reorganized and extended over two days, with several appearances enhanced to reflect the updated itinerary.
King Charles and Queen Camilla have been documenting their journey on Instagram, sharing charming moments against the backdrop of Italy’s iconic florals and architecture. One post included a video of their visit with President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinale Palace.
The caption accompanying their photos read:
“As we begin our first visit to Italy as King and Queen, we are so looking forward to celebrating our twentieth wedding anniversary in such a special place – and with such wonderful people! A presto, Roma e Ravenna! – Charles R & Camilla R.”
Meanwhile, back in the United Kingdom, Prince Harry appeared in a London courtroom on April 8 to formally challenge a decision by the British government regarding his security arrangements during visits to the U.K.
As reported by the BBC, the level of publicly funded protection provided to the Duke of Sussex is now determined on a case-by-case basis. While Harry has reportedly offered to personally finance police protection, the relevant committee has stated that such private funding for official security services is not permitted. BBC correspondent Charlotte Gallagher explained, “The funds either come centrally, or not at all.”
Harry’s legal action is the latest in a protracted dispute with the Home Office, which began in September 2021 with a judicial review application. After an initial ruling against him and an unsuccessful appeal, Harry was granted permission in May 2024 to present his case before the Court of Appeal—bringing the case to its current stage.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla share a wave with onlookers as they walk through a public space in Rome, flanked by a circle of suited security and aides. Charles, dressed sharply in a navy pinstripe suit, looks composed yet warm, while Camilla, radiant in cobalt blue, flashed a gentle smile.
Against the timeless stone arches of the Colosseum, the King and Queen pose side by side. The Roman amphitheatre behind them evokes centuries of history, adding gravity to the moment. The image speaks volumes about the symbolic weight of their visit to one of Europe’s most iconic landmarks.
In a formal moment outside the Quirinale Palace, Charles and Camilla are welcomed by Italian President Sergio Mattarella and his daughter. Both monarch and president appear engaged in conversation. Uniformed officers stand at attention behind them, adding to the atmosphere of diplomatic ceremony.
President Mattarella gestures graciously as he walks alongside King Charles III, guiding him during their official meeting at the Quirinale Palace. Dressed in coordinated formal attire, the two heads of state appear deep in discussion, trailed by decorated military personnel.
Walking side by side down a red carpet lined with members of an Italian military band, King Charles III and President Mattarella project a unified front.
From behind, King Charles III and Queen Camilla ascend a platform as a crowd gathers below, watching intently from behind a barrier. Camilla raises her hand in greeting. The ancient Roman architecture surrounding them adds gravitas.
The regal pageantry of Charles’ Italian welcome is on full display as the monarch walks beside President Mattarella, backed by a column of mounted guards in traditional dress. The image conveys the symbolic strength of tradition — both British and Italian — in moments of international diplomacy.
Prince Harry strides toward the Royal Courts of Justice surrounded by a discreet but visible security presence. Wearing a navy blue suit and a patterned tie, he looks composed yet determined — his gaze focused ahead.
Seen mid-conversation with a member of his security team, Prince Harry walks with a purposeful energy. The royal appears more animated here — his expression one of firm resolve. As he enters the courtroom, the personal stakes behind his appeal become tangible.
Flanked by both suited aides and uniformed officers, Prince Harry appears momentarily at ease as he engages with members of his security detail outside the courthouse gates. Behind the scenes, the legal complexities he faces span nearly four years, with no resolution yet in sight.
With his eyes cast downward, Prince Harry walks in silence, his phone in hand, his expression tense and contemplative. The presence of officers and bodyguards only reinforces the irony of his legal battle — one centered entirely around how much protection someone in his position truly needs.
As he makes his final approach toward the court steps, Prince Harry walks with a measured stride, trailed closely by a mixture of private security and law enforcement. This hearing marks yet another chapter in a years-long pursuit for consistent and taxpayer-backed security.
