Prince Harry has made a swift return to the United Kingdom following the recent revelation of his father, King Charles’, cancer diagnosis. The 39-year-old Duke of Sussex arrived in London on Tuesday, making the journey from Los Angeles, where he resides with his wife Meghan Markle and their two children.
Accompanied by a convoy of two black SUVs, believed to be carrying Prince Harry, the vehicles, along with police escorts, traversed from Heathrow Airport to Clarence House, the longstanding residence of King Charles in London. This move comes after King Charles, accompanied by Queen Camilla, returned from Sandringham and initiated outpatient treatment for the diagnosed cancer.
Sources reveal that Prince Harry and King Charles have not shared time together since the coronation ceremony held in May. An insider close to the royal household expressed hope, stating, “Hopefully [Harry] will bring the grandchildren at some point too, as that would be lovely for all of them.”
Notably, Prince Harry undertook this journey without his wife and children, leaving Meghan Markle, 42, with their 4-year-old son Prince Archie and 2-year-old daughter Princess Lilibet at their residence in Montecito, California. The couple had relocated to Meghan’s home state after stepping back from their roles as working members of the royal family in 2020.
This marks Prince Harry’s first visit to the U.K. since attending the WellChild Awards in September 2023. Previous trips included his presence at King Charles’ coronation in May and his role as a witness at the High Court of the Royal Courts of Justice in June.
Adding a layer to the unfolding situation, Princess Beatrice, King Charles’ niece, was observed near Clarence House on Tuesday. While it’s possible she visited the monarch, she also resides nearby at St. James’ Palace.
Despite Prince Harry’s return, there are no scheduled reunions with his brother, Prince William, who is presently focused on family responsibilities. Prince William, 41, has temporarily stepped away from royal engagements to attend to his three children while his wife, Kate Middleton, recovers from abdominal surgery.
On Monday, Buckingham Palace made the announcement of King Charles, 75, being diagnosed with cancer during treatment for an enlarged prostate. The King has commenced a series of regular treatments and will continue official duties while postponing public-facing engagements.
King Charles personally shared the diagnosis with his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, as well as his siblings, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward, before the information became public. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak commented on the situation, expressing shock and hope for the King’s recovery during a radio appearance on BBC Radio 5 Live, stating, “Thankfully, this has been caught early.”
As Prince Harry navigates this unexpected return to the U.K., the royal family faces both a health crisis and the complexities of their internal dynamics, all under the watchful eyes of the public.
