The Archbishop of Canterbury Addresses Royal Family Rift: 'We Must Not Judge Them'

The Archbishop spoke out about the family's rift just days after Prince Harry and King Charles didn't reunite while the Duke of Sussex was visiting England

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, is speaking out about the rift within the royal family.

During a far-ranging interview on ITV's Good Morning Britain on May 9, the Archbishop, 68, was asked to share his thoughts on the divide between Prince Harry and the rest of the royal family.

Welby emphasized the importance of compassion for the monarchy's situation, stating, "We must not judge them. They're human beings, they must not be judged. They need to be prayed for and supported."

The Archbishop's comments come just one day after the prince arrived in the U.K. to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. On May 8, Harry, 39, attended a service at St. Paul's Cathedral commemorating the landmark anniversary, while his family, including King Charles and Queen Camilla, hosted the first garden party of the season at Buckingham Palace.

A spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex previously confirmed Harry will not see his father during his visit due to the King's "full" schedule.

Related: Prince Harry Steps Out in London for Invictus Games Service as Royal Family Attends a Different Event Just Miles Away

"In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not The Duke will meet with his father while in the U.K. this week, it unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full program," the spokesperson said on May 7. "The Duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon."

Harry last saw his father in February when he visited the U.K. following Buckingham Palace's announcement of King Charles' cancer diagnosis. Shortly after his visit, the Duke of Sussex spoke about the reunion on Good Morning America.

"I spoke to him. I jumped on a plane and went to go see him as soon as I could," he said at the time. "Look, I love my family. The fact that I was able to get on a plane and go and see him and spend any time with him, I’m grateful for that."

The prince did not see his brother, Prince William, or Kate Middleton during his February visit. At the time, the Princess of Wales was recovering from abdominal surgery. Since then, Kate has announced that she's undergoing treatment for cancer.

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PEOPLE understands the Duke and Duchess of Sussex privately reached out to the Prince and Princess of Wales after the news was announced. They also shared a public statement on March 22, the day of Kate's announcement.

"We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace," the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said in a statement shared with PEOPLE.

Related: Amid Kate Middleton's Cancer Treatment, 'Positive Vibes' and 'Optimistic Mood' Prevail, Close Source Says (Exclusive)

The Archbishop has long had a close relationship with the royal family. In addition to playing a prominent role in the King's coronation, he also married Harry and Meghan Markle.

In regards to Charles and Kate's health, Welby urged people to "pray" for the royals, no matter what their personal beliefs are.

"I'll just say to everyone, if you're someone who prays, pray for them because that's ... can't go wrong, I mean," he said. "And if you're someone who doesn't pray, pray for them, because it can't do any harm and it might do some good."

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