Prince Harry’s trip to Britain to be at King Charles’ side after his father’s shock cancer diagnosis is unlikely to mend the rift between himself and his older brother William, it was today claimed.
Harry, who boarded the 11-hour flight hours after Charles revealed he was ill, flew from America to London alone alone, leaving Meghan, Archie and Lilibet back at their California home.
Harry’s transatlantic dash had raised hopes his return to Britain will be used to heal wounds with King Charles and a chance to reach out to his brother Prince William.
But Palace sources have hinted there are no plans for a meeting between Harry and William while the Duke of Sussex is in London.
It’s believed the Prince of Wales, 41, is remaining focused on tending to his wife Kate, who is recovering from her abdominal surgery and is taking extended leave from public duties until after Easter.
William is due to return to public work tomorrow, carrying out an investiture at Windsor Castle in the morning before later attending a gala for the London Air Ambulance Service in the evening.
Sources ciose to Harry, 39, said the Duke would welcome the chance to meet with his brother ‘if the opportunity were to arise’. ‘The Duke’s primary reason to travel to the UK is to visit his father. If the opportunity were to arise to see the Prince of Wales then the Duke would have gladly accepted it,’ an insider said.
Prince Harry arriving at Clarence House this afternoon to meet his father King Charles
Prince Harry jetted to the UK to be by his father’s side following the King’s cancer diagnosis
However, there are no plans for him to meet with his brother Prince William
King Charles and Queen Camilla leave Clarence House, the day after it was announced he has been diagnosed with cancer
Police escort a Range Rover believed to be carrying Prince Harry out of Heathrow at around 1pm as he heads to visit his father in London
Harry was seen in a large convoy of Range Rovers driving through the gates of the royal residence
King Charles and Queen Camilla at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, on Sunday
Prince Harry has arrived at Clarence House where he had a ‘brief meeting’ with his father hours after touching down at Heathrow.
Harry was spotted in the back of a Range Rover that drove in a large convoy through the gates of Clarence House, where Charles, 75, is resting following treatment earlier today for an unspecified cancer.
It is not known if Harry will remain in central London or stay at Windsor, most likely at Frogmore Cottage – which he and Meghan vacated last June.
READ MORE: AMANDA PLATELL: My heart yearns for Harry to heal the rift with his father and brother. But this is why my head tells me it will never happen…
There must be deep resentment, not only on the part of Camilla, William and Kate, but Anne, Edward and Sophie, too, over Harry’s behaviour, says Amanda Platell
King Charles is resting at Clarence House ahead of treatment, with Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi seen leaving after a visit this morning. It is not known if Harry will stay in central London to be close to the King or stay at Windsor, most likely at the empty Frogmore Cottage .
Experts have said that they hope that Harry’s trip to Britain is the ‘sign of a truce’ and that ‘good news’ of a heal in the rift in the Royal Family could come from the ‘bad news’ about the King’s health.
Harry left LAX for London last night to be with his father. Charles had called him personally to tell him the devastating news and the Duke of Sussex has immediately jumped on a plane so he could be in the UK later today.
A luxury Range Rover believed to be carrying the British royal was seen arriving at LAX’s VIP terminal last night and he boarded the earliest flight so he could be in London by lunchtime on Tuesday.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said: ‘I’m sure Harry will put aside the past right now for this serious issue. The Royal family – including the Sussexes – it’s so important that everyone is pulling in the right direction’.
Kristina Kyriacou, the King’s former press secretary, said today: ‘Charles adores Harry. He didn’t want any of this estrangement. If out of bad news, some good news comes and Harry and the King and the Queen and his brother are reunited – how wonderful.’
Prince Harry flew to London after King Charles’ cancer diagnosis was made public. Meghan and the children are staying at home
Harry is believed to have been in this Range Rover as it was swept from Heathrow under police guard this afternoon
Prince Harry has landed in London to see his father after his cancer diagnosis
In Spare, Harry had revealed that Charles had urged his warring sons: ‘Please boys, don’t make my final years a misery.’
And his trip could be motivated by that plea.
He flew into London’s Heathrow Airport on a scheduled British Airways flight from Los Angeles.
The Prince -who travelled on the overnight 11 hour flight without his wife Meghan – was met off the plane.
A black Range Rover parked at the VIP. Windsor Suite left to drive to another part of the airport to collect Harry.
The Range Rover escorted by two police cars,
Harry’s car had arrived at the VIP suite adjacent to Terminal Five two hours ahead of his arrival at 12.35pm on BA280.
Despite his in going row with the Home Office over police protection during visits to the UK with his family a police car followed him out.
Harry is expected to travel to Clarence House to meet with King
A car believed to be carrying Prince Harry is pictured arriving at a private terminal at LAX to fly to the UK to be with his father, King Charles, after his cancer diagnosis
The Prince -who travelled on the overnight 11 hour flight without his wife Meghan – was met off the plane by a convoy of cars
Frogmore Cottage (pictured) which was formerly the home of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. He may stay there or in a hotel
The King spent last night at home in London after beginning out-patient cancer treatment – as family and friends revealed that the monarch remains ‘hugely positive’ following his bombshell diagnosis. But he may miss public duties for a number of months, it has been claimed.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said today that he was ‘shocked and sad’ to hear about the King’s cancer diagnosis but revealed: ‘Thankfully this has been caught early’.
Harry landed in the UK at lunchtime but it is not known if he will see his brother Prince William or the Princess of Wales, who is recovering from serious abdominal surgery at their home in the grounds of Winsor Castle. But experts have said they hope that the Duke of Sussex’s last-minute trip could finally bring Harry, Charles and William closer together.
Last time the Prince flew to the UK was in September, for the Well Child Awards, where he stayed in a hotel. Meghan missed the UK altogether, meeting him in Germany for the Invictus Games.
It is understood the Duke asked if he could stay at Windsor Castle to allow him to visit his grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II’s place of rest, but permission was denied.
Harry usually travels with his own private security team, after being stripped of his right to automatic police protection when he left the Royal family in 2020.
The King contacted both the Duke of Sussex and the Prince of Wales personally to tell them of his cancer diagnosis before it was announced by Buckingham Palace.
A source close to Harry said that he had immediately decided to come to the UK to be by his father’s side. Experts have claimed that Harry’s dash to Britain ‘indicates the seriousness’ of the King’s condition.
Announcing that Prince Harry will come and see his father, the Office of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said: ‘The duke did speak with his father about his diagnosis. He will be traveling to UK to see His Majesty in the coming days.’
Richard Fitzwilliams told The Sun: ‘I’m sure Harry will put aside the past right now for this serious issue. The Royal family – including the Sussexes – it’s so important that everyone is pulling in the right direction’.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond said she hoped that King Charles III’s cancer diagnosis ‘will bring a reconciliation’ with Prince Harry.
Harry estranged brother William is also in close contact with his father but neither brother has made a public statement yet. The heir to the throne, who returns to public duties this week after helping to settle his wife, the Princess of Wales, at home as she recovers from abdominal surgery.
He may also undertake some duties on behalf of his father, in addition to his own diary of engagements, while the King undergoes treatment.
As the King’s cancer shocked Britain, the Commonwealth and the world, it also emerged:
- Prince William will shoulder more responsibility than ever – but initially without Kate by his side;
- Queen Camilla will be expected to step up to royal engagements as Charles takes a break from public duties to focus on cancer treatment;
Buckingham Palace announced on Monday that doctors discovered the cancer during a medical procedure for an enlarged prostate. Sources have suggested that the cancer is in a different part of the King’s body but was discovered during the surgery last week.
Prince Harry was last in the UK over the summer, when he attended an event for a children’s charity. However, he did not meet with the Royal family during that visit before heading to Germany for his Invictus Games where he met up with Meghan.
The Duke of Sussex attended his father’s coronation last May, but left London just hours after the ceremony to return to Montecito.
Harry is believed to be in contact with his father but sources have claimed that there has been no rapprochement with William, who is said to have been left upset by the Sussexes’ attacks on the Royal Family since Megxit.
Harry’s visit will raise hopes that there could be some thawing in the relations, which have been rocky since he and Meghan emigrated in 2020.
King Charles’ cancer diagnosis has shocked the world.
The 75-year-old monarch has returned to London from Sandringham to begin treatment immediately.
It is not connected with his recent surgery and is not prostate cancer, but medics spotted it when he underwent his medical procedure for an enlarged prostate.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement: ‘During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.
‘His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.
‘The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.
‘His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.’
The palace said the King ‘looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible’, but it is not yet known whether it will affect his attendance at events such as those marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day in June.
It is understood he will continue to receive red boxes and process state documents during treatment and there are no plans to appoint Counsellors of State.
A palace spokesman said: ‘Regrettably, a number of the King’s forthcoming public engagements will have to be rearranged or postponed.
‘His Majesty would like to apologise to all those who may be disappointed or inconvenienced as a consequence.’
Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are seen leaving Clarence House on Tuesday morning
Buckingham Palace said in a statement: ‘During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer’
Experts hope that the diagnosis will bring some kind of reconciliation between Harry and his father and brother
It is understood details of the King’s diary are still being worked on and it is not yet known when a full programme of engagements will begin.
EXCLUSIVEREAD MORE: RICHARD KAY: Harry’s arrival is a reminder of just how fractured the Royal Family has become. William believes their trust has been utterly destroyed. But could their father’s illness lead to a rapprochement between brothers?
Charles and Camilla lead William, Kate, Harry and Meghan at the Commonwealth Service in London in 2020
Reacting to the news, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tweeted: ‘Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery.
‘I have no doubt he’ll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well.’
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: ‘On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish His Majesty all the very best for his recovery.
‘We look forward to seeing him back to swift full health.’
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle told MPs: ‘I know the whole House will wish to join me in expressing our sympathies with His Majesty the King following the news announcement this evening.
‘Our thoughts are, of course, with His Majesty and his family, and we’d all wish to send him our very best wishes for the successful treatment and a speedy recovery.’
The diagnosis is also likely to be professionally devastating for Charles, who was the longest-serving heir to the throne in British history before he became King on the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth, on September 8 2022.
Since then he has hit the ground running with three state visits overseas, hosting two incoming state visits to the UK and undertaking hundreds of public engagements each year, taking on a punishing official workload well into his 70s.
Aides have said he has relished the challenge and is hugely enjoying his royal role.
The King’s diagnosis will pose serious questions for the working of the monarchy, with fewer working members of the royal family and the Princess of Wales out of action due to what has only been described as ‘abdominal surgery’ until after Easter.
The Prince of Wales, who is heir to the throne, had cleared his diary to be by his wife’s side and keep life as normal as possible for their three children.
Kensington Palace announced earlier today, however, that he would resume public duties this week by conducting an investiture on Wednesday at Windsor Castle, followed by a gala fundraising event for the London Air Ambulance in the evening.
While Queen Elizabeth suffered episodic periods of ill-health over the years and underwent surgery on a number of occasions, including on her knee and cataracts, there was no major health crisis of this magnitude until the very last months of her historic 70-year reign.
That, however, would have a serious knock-on effect on the family life of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
They moved to Windsor 18-months ago in order to allow their children to enjoy a more carefree childhood, outside of the royal bubble, until absolutely necessary.
Prince George, ten, who is second in line to the throne, Princess Charlotte, eight, and five-year-old Prince Louis all attend a local school. Lambrook, and have settled in well at their new home, Adelaide Cottage.
William and Kate’s team are still based at Kensington Palace in London, their official residence, and travel up to Windsor for meetings.
Questions will inevitably be asked how practicable it will be for them to do so now.
The monarch, 75, received treatment for an enlarged prostate last week, spending three nights at the London Clinic private hospital
When he was discharged from hospital last Monday, the King appeared steady on his feet as he walked out of the London Clinic in Marylebone with Queen Camilla by his side
The King has largely enjoyed very good health throughout his life, apart from suffering from a cripplingly bad back.
The first sign that anything was amiss with his health came on January 17 when Buckingham Palace made a surprise announcement that the King had ‘sought treatment’ for an enlarged prostate.
The palace added that His Majesty’s condition was ‘benign’ and that he would attend hospital the following week for a corrective procedure.
They said he was personally keen to share details of his diagnosis to encourage other men who may be experiencing symptoms to get themselves check.
The NHS subsequently reported an encouraging spike in people seeking more information on their website.
His Majesty, who was in Scotland at the time, travelled back down to Sandringham afterwards and then on to London the night before his surgery.
He was admitted to The London Clinic in Marylebone, central London, on January 26 with his wife, Queen Camilla, by his side.
Buckingham Palace said he wanted to thank everyone for their good wishes and was delighted to learn that his diagnosis was having a positive impact on public health awareness.
He was finally released on Monday last week after three nights in hospital and said to be ‘doing well’.
He initially resided at Clarence House, his London residence, in order to be close to his doctors, before returning to Sandringham with his wife.
Queen Camilla has continued to undertake public engagements, telling members of the l public that her husband was ‘doing fine’ and looking forwards to getting back to work.
Last Tuesday she told well-wishers he was ‘getting on’ and ‘doing his best’, adding: ‘Thank goodness!’
One in every three men over the age of 50 will have symptoms of an enlarged prostate, which include needing to visit the toilet more frequently, with more urgency, and difficulty emptying the bladder.
An enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, does not usually pose a serious threat to health, and it is not cancer.
But patients may need to have several tests for the condition to rule out the possibility they have another illness with similar symptoms, such as prostate cancer.
Surgery is usually only recommended for moderate to severe symptoms that have not responded to medicine.
Mark Drakeford , the First Minister of Wales, wished the King a ‘full and swift recovery’ following his cancer diagnosis.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, he said: ‘I’m saddened to hear the news that HM King Charles III is facing further health challenges.
‘My thoughts and those of people across Wales will be with him and his family this evening.
‘I send my very best wishes as he starts treatment for a full and swift recovery.
‘Gwellhad buan.’
Northern Ireland’s new First Minister Michelle O’Neill, who as leader of Sinn Fein is a republican, wished the King a full and speedy recovery.
‘I am very sorry to hear of King Charles’ illness and I want to wish him well for his treatment, and a full and speedy recovery,’ she posted on X.
Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis said after the shocking news today: ‘I am saddened to have heard about His Majesty The King’s diagnosis.
‘I know that the Jewish communities of Great Britain and the Commonwealth will join me in wishing him a Refuah Sheleima – a complete and swift recovery.’
The 75-year-old monarch left the London Clinic last monday with Queen Camilla by his side
The King waved to a large crowd of wellwishers when he left the London Clinic last Monday
The King was visited by Queen Camilla four times when he was in hospital
Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins wrote on X: ‘My thoughts are with King Charles and the whole Royal Family.
‘His decision to share his diagnosis to assist public understanding for all those affected by cancer is commendable.
‘Wishing His Majesty the very best and look forward to seeing him resume his public duties.’
Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting, who received treatment for kidney cancer in 2021, said: ‘One in two of us will develop cancer during our lives, but millions more are affected when someone they love is diagnosed with cancer.
‘Sending best wishes to His Majesty for his treatment and to his family as they support him throughout.’