Prince Harry brushes off King Charles bombshell as he steps out for first public appearance since return to UK

Prince Harry made his first public appearance since returning to the UK this evening, arriving solo at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich for the inaugural Invictus Spirit Gala Dinner and Awards.

The Duke of Sussex, 42, cut a striking figure in a black dinner suit and bow tie, adorned with medals and the Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order neck order – a knighthood bestowed upon him by his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, in 2015 for his service to the sovereign.

Notably absent was his wife, Meghan Markle, 45, who, despite moving with the family, has not been seen publicly since their return.

The appearance came amidst chaos in royal circles after Earl Charles Spencer, recognised as an ally of Harry in the UK, released damaging allegations about the duke's father, King Charles.

Princess Diana's brother claimed the monarch was left "giddy and ecstatic" when hearing of the late Princess of Wales' death, even describing him as "like a lottery winner".

The 62-year-old Earl also claimed the monarch, just days after Diana's death, told her brother: "Rest assured, we'll forget her soon enough."

Nevertheless, Harry brushed off the controversy with a smile on his face, as he met with the Irish Guards, of which the Princess of Wales is Colonel; Seamus, an Irish wolfhound who serves as their mascot, and other regiments.

Harry was also spotted in stitches with former rugby star James Haskell.

The 41-year-old has been instrumental in the creation and growth of the Invictus Games over the last 12 years.

The Invictus Games Foundation described the gala as an opportunity to honour those whose bravery, dedication and service have left a lasting mark on the global Invictus movement.

Tonight will celebrate stories of resilience from the wounded, injured and sick military community.

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The Foundation said award categories will recognise resilience, community, commitment to international sports recovery and philanthropic support.

Prince Harry founded the Invictus Games in 2014, establishing an adaptive sports competition for injured and unwell service personnel and veterans. The American Warrior Games served as his inspiration for the initiative.

The Foundation spoke of the evening as a celebration of "the stories of resilience and dedication that continue to inspire and support our international Invictus Community".

The Invictus Games were thrust into a public controversy recently when Uganda withdrew from the 2027 competition, believing the Duke's event lacked the backing of King Charles.

Uganda's withdrawal followed a letter from the Lord Chamberlain reaffirming Harry and Meghan are non-working royals whose charitable endeavours are conducted in a purely private capacity, insisting they are "private citizens".

The matter was resolved on September 14 after a telephone call between the King's private secretary, Sir Clive Alderton, and General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, head of Uganda's armed forces.

Sir Clive said the King had no objection to Uganda's participation and encouraged preparations to proceed – which they duly did, reversing their decision to withdraw from the competition. It takes places next summer in Birmingham.

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