Prince Harry Arrives in the UK to Visit King Charles Following Cancer Diagnosis

Prince Harry has returned to the UK to visit his father, King Charles III, after the announcement of the monarch’s cancer diagnosis. This visit, along with the King’s illness, has sparked hopes of a possible reconciliation between father and son. However, experts believe that repairing the rift between Prince Harry and his brother, Prince William, will be more challenging.

The palace’s announcement of King Charles III’s unspecified cancer diagnosis prompted a swift response from Prince Harry, who has been estranged from his family for the past four years while residing in California.

Less than 24 hours after the news broke, Prince Harry arrived in London, indicating a desire to be by his father’s side during this difficult time. Royal commentators speculate that the King’s illness could serve as a turning point in repairing the strained relationships that have plagued the family since 2020, particularly since King Charles ascended the throne in 2022.

However, commentator Richard Fitzwilliams describes the divide between Prince Harry, also known as the Duke of Sussex, and the rest of the royal family as “very deep.” The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have raised multiple accusations against the royal family, including during an interview with Oprah Winfrey, a Netflix documentary, and Prince Harry’s recent memoir, “Spare.”

In the Oprah interview, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry’s wife, disclosed that an unnamed family member had expressed concerns about their son Archie‘s skin color before his birth. This prompted a response from the late Queen Elizabeth II who stated, “recollections may vary.” Prince William also vehemently denied the family being racist, asserting that they were “very much not a racist family.”

Fitzwilliams acknowledges that the Sussexes experienced significant unhappiness during their time as senior working royals and that their public statements created deep bitterness within the family. However, he emphasizes the importance of the royal family presenting a united front in light of the King’s illness and hopes for gradual reconciliation in the coming weeks and months.

Prince Harry was seen arriving at Clarence House, the King’s residence in London, where he spent approximately 50 minutes with his father. Soon after, King Charles III, accompanied by Queen Camilla, left the residence looking visibly relaxed.

The Daily Mail‘s Richard Kay raises the question of whether Prince Harry will also meet with Prince William during his visit. The two brothers, who have not spoken in months, reportedly have a strained relationship. It is believed that Prince William has already given up on the possibility of rebuilding their bond, particularly due to Prince Harry’s comments in his memoir, “Spare,” which imply that Prince William may not have married Catherine, Princess of Wales.