Just one day after the announcement that King Charles had been diagnosed with cancer, his youngest son boarded a flight to the UK to be by his father’s side.
Prince Harry arrived in London on Tuesday afternoon and reunited with the King and Queen Camilla, before heading back to America 24 hours hater.
The Duke of Sussex travelled without his wife and children, and HELLO! reports that Meghan Markle remained at their family home in California with Archie and Lilibet due to their schooling.
At the time of the announcement of King Charles’ diagnosis, the office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirmed: “The Duke did speak with his father about his diagnosis. He will be travelling to the UK to see His Majesty in the coming days.”
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It’s also reported that Charles personally notified Harry of his cancer diagnosis before it was made public via a statement from Buckingham Palace.
Allegedly Harry visited Clarence House (Charles and Camilla’s residence) and stayed no longer than 45 minutes, despite it being their first face-to-face meeting in nine months. Prince Harry did not see his brother, Prince William, during his short stay in the UK.
King Charles and Queen Camilla were photographed leaving Clarence House following the meeting, where they smiled and waved at the royal supporters who cheered for His Majesty.
The King was driven to Buckingham Palace from Clarence House where he is believed to have then flown to the royal residence in Sandringham, where he will reportedly start treatments.
Prince Harry’s decision to fly home to the UK was a huge show of support for his father.
HELLO!’s Royal Editor explained that “Prince Harry coming over is a huge moment. The King’s diagnosis will have concerned the whole family, but especially his sons and it’s only natural that Harry will want to spend time with him after so long apart.
“It’s about a family coming together during a difficult time, just as any other family would.”
It was certainly a significant moment for the family as the last time the Duke of Sussex visited his father in the UK was in May 2023, during King Charles III’s coronation.
The pair have had a seemingly strained relationship over the past few years, beginning with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to step down from royal duties and subsequently move to the United States.
Harry’s memoir, Spare, which was released in January 2023, also may have caused some tension within the family.
However, it’s reportedly likely that Charles and Harry will grow closer during this difficult time, and royal expert Robert Hardman told HELLO! that the King would “love” reconciliation with his youngest son.
A source close to the royal household also told PEOPLE that “hopefully [Harry] will bring the grandchildren at some point too, as that would be lovely for all of them.”
