Prince Harry unlikely to see King Charles during U.K. court visit

People reports that Prince Harry is unlikely to see his father, King Charles, when he returns to the U.K. later this month for the opening of his High Court trial in his legal claim against Associated Newspapers over alleged illegal information gathering.

Harry, 41, is expected to return to London for a few days for the provisional Jan. 19 start, which marks the final legal action in a series of lawsuits he has filed against British newspapers. Several high-profile figures, including Elton John, Elizabeth Hurley and Sadie Frost, are also suing Associated Newspapers for alleged illegal information gathering, and the publisher has "vigorously" denied the allegations, the BBC previously reported. The King generally seeks to avoid involvement in active legal cases, and The Telegraph reported he is likely to be in Scotland during the visit; the exact trial timetable is yet to be confirmed and Harry is expected to be the first witness.

A representative for Harry declined to comment and Buckingham Palace also had no comment. Insiders said there had been "positive" signs from the government about reversing the decision not to grant Harry official armed security in the U.K., and a full-scale review by the body that assesses royal and VIP security is underway; Harry has said he cannot bring his wife and children to the country without such cover.

Key Topics

World, Prince Harry, King Charles, Meghan Markle, High Court, Armed Security