Prince Harry arrives in UK after King Charles’ cancer diagnosis
Prince Harry has returned to the United Kingdom, racing from the California home he shares with his wife, Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, to be with his father, King Charles III, who was recently diagnosed with cancer.
The Duke of Sussex reportedly touched down at London’s Heathrow Airport on Tuesday around 12:35 p.m., local time. Images shared by BBC News show the 39-year-old royal arriving a short time later at Clarence House in London, where King Charles has lived with his wife, Camilla, the queen consort, for some 20 years. According to local media, he’s been resting at the residence while undergoing treatment.
Meghan and their two children — Prince Archie, 4, and Princess Lilibet, 2 — did not make the trip, according to reports.
The prince’s dash overseas comes despite the fact that he and his father have long had a troubled relationship, since around the time he stepped back from his royal duties in 2020. In subsequent interviews as well as his explosive 2023 memoir, “Spare,” Harry said he and Meghan faced racism and mistreatment from the British press, adding that the royal family did not offer them any support or assistance. The duchess said her mental health suffered as a result.
Still, the Duke of Sussex is hoping for a happy reunion with his father and the rest of his loved ones someday. In a 2023 “60 Minutes” profile, Prince Harry revealed that he wants to have a relationship with his family again.
“That’s all I’ve ever asked for,” he said.
Buckingham Palace on Monday announced King Charles had begun treatment for cancer, further revealing that it was discovered during his “recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement.” As a result, the 75-year-old monarch will “postpone public-facing duties,” though he “will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.”
While the type of cancer was not provided, officials noted that the King did not suffer from prostate cancer .
“The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure,” the statement said. “He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.”