PRINCE Harry’s “grievances” seem “utterly trivial and pathetic” when put into context to Kate Middleton’s illness, claims a former BBC royal correspondent.

The Duke of Sussex has been criticised for slamming the royal family in recent years, particularly with his bombshell Spare memoir and his Netflix show, Harry & Meghan.

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Prince Harry’s issues seem ‘trivial’ compared to the health issues his family are battling, claims a former BBC royal correspondentCredit: AP

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She told OK!: “As regards to William, that does appear to be a terminally damaged relationship. In a way, it seems the boot is now very much on the other foot.

“Previously it was Harry who was the ‘victim’ looking for an apology for all his perceived grievances.

“Now those grievances must seem utterly trivial, even to Harry, in the face of a very real problem: cancer. Catherine and William are involved in a frightening fight and I don’t think they have the will or the strength to confront someone, even a brother, who picked a fight over issues that seem pathetic by comparison.

“William is doing everything he possibly can to protect his wife and I very much doubt that they want to deal with ‘the Harry problem’ right now, if ever.”

Both Kate and Charles underwent surgery earlier this year, and were later diagnosed with cancer.

Prince Harry did a whistlestop three-day trip to the UK this week, arriving on Tuesday and leaving on Thursday evening, but didn’t see his family during the visit.

A spokesperson for Harry explained: “It unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full programme.

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

Harry and Charles last reunited at Clarence House in February for their first face-to-face meeting in 16 months.

Charles, 75, resumed public duties last week for the first time since beginning cancer treatment.

And he attended the year’s first Buckingham Palace garden party on Wednesday.

Last night the Duke of Sussex, 39, jetted out of Britain as he and Meghan Markle headed to Nigeria.

The couple are currently spending three days in the West African country and will take part in “cultural activities”.

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Before he boarded the flight out of the UK, Harry opened up about what it has been like to be home as he was the surprise guest at a party hosted by the charity Scotty’s Little Soldiers – which supports the bereaved children of military personnel.

He told the BBC: “It’s great.”

He and Meghan were said to have reunited at Heathrow after the duke was snapped there last night.

Harry was seen heading into the Windsor Suite in the early evening and was said to have met up with his wife inside.

Prince Harry’s statement about not seeing King Charles during his UK visit this week

A spokesperson for Harry explained: “It unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full programme.

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

Just hours earlier his dad King Charles had been snapped beaming in Surrey, while Prince William visited a site where houses are being built for the homeless.

The couple were said to have then boarded a British Airways flight to Abuja – and were seen walking onto the tarmac.

This morning they began their 72-hour ‘faux-Royal tour’ of Nigeria by visiting a school supported by their Archewell Foundation.

Harry and Meghan, who is of Nigerian descent, will meet service members and their families, and participate in traditional cultural activities, according to local media.

It is the pair’s first trip to Nigeria as a couple.

They’re expected to visit three cities while there in their efforts to get the country to host the Invictus Games in 2029.

Harry has had a long relationship with Africa, even taking his now-wife Meghan to Botswana for a camping trip as one of their early dates.

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Prince Harry visited the UK this week but didn’t see his father or brotherCredit: Getty

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Royal expert Jennie Bond claims that the relationship between Prince Harry and Prince William is now ‘terminally damaged’Credit: AP

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Both Kate and Charles underwent surgery earlier this year, and were later diagnosed with cancerCredit: AFP – Getty

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Prince Harry attending the Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service at St Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday during his UK visitCredit: Getty