Royal Watch News

Prince Harry's tour of China cancelled

Feb 4, 2013, 12:01 GMT

Prince Harry

Britain's Prince Harry will not make a royal tour of China.

The 28-year-old prince was expected to undertake a solo tour of the country to improve relations with the UK, but the visit has now been cancelled.

A source from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office told the Daily Telegraph newspaper: 'China was not seen as the 'right fit' for Prince Harry at this stage in his life.'

A St James's Palace spokesperson said: 'It is, however, hoped that Prince Harry will undertake an overseas visit in 2013 and details will be announced in due course.'

Harry was initially asked by the Foreign Office to visit the Communist country after his four-month deployment to Afghanistan, which ended in January, in order to boost diplomatic relations.

Tensions have been high with China over the ongoing dialogue between the British Government and the Royal family and the Dalai Lama, Tibet's spiritual leader and critic of the Chinese regime.

The murder of British citizen Neil Heywood by the wife of prominent Chinese politician Bo Xilai has also caused friction.

It was hoped Harry's diplomatic visit would improve his international image following his naked photo scandal in Las Vegas last summer.