Prince Harry will not see his father the King during this week’s visit to Britain, as the monarch will be too busy, Harry’s spokesperson says.

Harry, 39, is in Britain to attend events to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, the international sporting event that he founded for military personnel wounded in action.

The King’s younger son has been back in Britain only a few times since he and his American wife Meghan Markle stepped down from official royal roles in 2020 and moved to Los Angeles, where they live with their two young children.

They have since become estranged from the rest of the royal family and Harry is said to be barely on speaking terms with his elder brother, heir to the throne Prince William.

Harry’s last publicised trip was in February, when he made a flying visit to see his father for a quick reunion after Buckingham Palace revealed that the 75-year-old King had been diagnosed with cancer.

There had been press speculation that the pair would meet again on this latest trip. But a spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex said this would not happen.

“In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not the duke will meet with his father while in the UK this week, it unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full programme,” the spokesperson said on Tuesday (British time).

“The duke, of course, is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”

One of Harry’s events on Tuesday was a panel discussion at Armoury House in East London, called the Invictus Games Foundation Conversation.

It was only a couple of kilometres away from where his stepmother, Queen Camilla, was carrying out an engagement at a primary school.

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The King returned to public duties last week for the first time since his diagnosis with an unspecified form of cancer. Buckingham Palace said the his diary would be carefully managed to minimise any risks to his health.

On Tuesday, the King was seen leaving Windsor Castle to head to London, where he had appointments at Buckingham Palace. On Wednesday he was expected to be at a Buckingham Palace garden party.

The palace has previously said it would not comment on matters relating to Harry.

On Tuesday, Harry, who served in the British armed forces in Afghanistan, attended appointments linked to the Invictus Games. On Wednesday he will appear at a service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, where he will deliver a reading.

After leaving Britain, Harry will be joined by Meghan for a visit to Nigeria.

-with AAP