King Charles III Engages in Private Meeting with David Beckham Amid Prince Harry's Unsuccessful Invite

King Charles Quietly Meets David Beckham After Rejecting Prince Harrys Invite

King Charles and David Beckham Jonathan Brady-WPA Pool/Getty Images

King Charles III had a private meeting with David Beckham, 49, on Friday, May 10. The purpose of the meeting was for Beckham to learn more about the King's Foundation, an educational charity focused on empowering communities. This meeting took place after King Charles III declined to meet with his son, Prince Harry. According to The Times in London, the foundation aims to involve people in shaping their communities.

The Duke of Sussex, 39, was in the U.K. earlier this week to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. He attended a commemorative service at St. Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday, May 8, just 2 miles away from Buckingham Palace.

Harry had reportedly invited Charles, Prince William, and Kate Middleton to the service, but ended up attending alone. A spokesman for Harry mentioned that the King's schedule was too busy to include a meeting with his youngest son.

"Unfortunately, the Duke of Sussex will not be able to meet with his father during his visit to the U.K. this week. This is due to His Majesty's busy schedule," a spokesperson for Harry explained in a statement on Tuesday, May 7.

King Charles Quietly Meets David Beckham After Rejecting Prince Harrys Invite

The Invictus Games, co-founded by Prince Harry in 2014, is an international sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick service persons and veterans. Prince Harry, a former captain in the British Armed Forces, started the event. The most recent Invictus Games took place in Germany in September 2023.

Harry had visited the U.K. earlier this year to visit his father. In February, Buckingham Palace announced that the King had started receiving regular treatments for cancer. His doctors advised him to reduce his public duties. However, in April, he resumed his royal responsibilities as his medical team was pleased with his progress and optimistic about his recovery.

A statement from the palace on April 26 mentioned that upcoming events would be adjusted as needed to ensure the King's continued recovery. His schedule will be carefully managed in consultation with his medical team to support his ongoing recovery process.

When Harry received his diagnosis, he rushed back to London to visit his father. Despite the short visit, he expressed his love for his family during an interview with Good Morning America. He mentioned how grateful he was for the opportunity to spend time with his father, even if it was brief.

During Charles' health challenges, Princess Kate shared in March that she had also been diagnosed with cancer. She announced her decision to step back from public appearances to focus on undergoing preventative chemotherapy.

Even though Harry invited the Invictus Games service, there still seems to be tension within the royal family. Harry and Meghan sent well wishes to Kate after her diagnosis.

A source shared with Us that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are being very respectful and mindful of not adding stress to the situation. They are willing to give Will and Kate their space if needed.

Editor's P/S:

The meeting between King Charles and David Beckham highlights the King's continued commitment to charitable endeavors despite his recent health challenges. The King's Foundation aligns with his long-standing passion for empowering communities. Meanwhile, Prince Harry's absence from the meeting underscores the ongoing tension within the royal family. His invitation to his father, brother, and sister-in-law went unanswered, suggesting that the rift between Harry and the rest of the family remains unresolved.

As the King's health improves, it is unclear when and how he will address the estrangement with his son. Harry's recent visit to the UK for the Invictus Games, despite not meeting with his father, indicates a desire to maintain some connection. However, the family's public health struggles and the upcoming coronation may further complicate the situation.