Prince Harry’s recent visit to King Charles III, following the announcement of the monarch’s cancer diagnosis, has sparked speculation about a potential family reconciliation. However, addressing the longstanding issues within the royal family may require more time.
Prince Harry swiftly returned to the UK to support King Charles III during this challenging time after the monarch’s unexpected cancer diagnosis was revealed on February 5, 2024. The Duke of Sussex, who stepped back from his senior royal duties in 2020, made an 11-hour journey from California, where he lives with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children, Archie and Lilibet, to be with his father at Clarence House in central London.
Arriving in a large convoy, Harry was seen in the back of a Range Rover passing through the gates of Clarence House. King Charles III, aged 75, is currently undergoing treatment for an unspecified type of cancer.
Many see Prince Harry’s unexpected visit as a hopeful sign of reconciliation within the royal family, especially in light of King Charles’ shocking diagnosis. However, the duration of Harry’s stay in the UK remains uncertain, with speculation about whether he will stay in central London or choose to reside at Windsor’s Frogmore Cottage, where he and Meghan previously lived.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams stressed the importance of unity during such times, expressing confidence that Harry will set aside past differences for the sake of family solidarity. “It’s crucial that everyone is united,” Fitzwilliams noted.
Reflecting on the strong bond between King Charles III and Harry, Kristina Kyriacou, the King’s former press secretary, highlighted the King’s affection for his son and his desire to bridge the distance that had grown between them.
Kyriacou remains hopeful that this unfortunate situation could lead to a heartwarming reunion, not only between father and son but also among the wider royal family. She expressed her sentiment, saying, “If some good comes out of the bad news and Harry, the King, the Queen, and his brother are reunited – how wonderful.”
Reports indicate that Harry’s interaction with King Charles and Camilla was brief, lasting approximately 45 minutes. However, he did not have the opportunity to meet with his brother William or sister-in-law Kate, who is reportedly recovering from abdominal surgery.
Moreover, it was revealed by a source that Harry had specifically asked for Camilla not to be present during his conversation with his father about the King’s cancer diagnosis. This request was viewed as a missed chance to extend an olive branch.
Given the limited time spent with his father and stepmother, without seeing his brother, royal experts believe there is still a considerable distance to bridge before Harry’s relationship with the Royal Family can be repaired. Harry was in England for only 24 hours before returning to California.
In his memoir, “Spare,” Harry candidly discussed his strained relationship with Camilla. He likened meeting her to a shot, “Close your eyes, and it’s over before you know it.” Despite the vague memory, he was certain neither of them cared about the other’s opinion. “She wasn’t my mother, and I wasn’t her biggest hurdle,” Harry reflected.
The Duke of Sussex confessed that neither he nor William supported their father’s marriage to the Queen Consort. Harry explained that taking the relationship to the next level seemed unnecessary since they were already together.
Both William and Harry expressed their support for Camilla. “We support you,” they told their father. “We endorse Camilla. Just please don’t marry her. Just be with her, Pa,” Harry recounted. However, the King was determined for her to become an official member of the Royal Family.
Camilla’s inclusion in the royal family stirred controversy, primarily due to her past. As the “other woman,” she faced pressure to rehabilitate her image. “She was the villain. She was the third person in the marriage,” Harry remarked. Consequently, he viewed her efforts to integrate and vie for the crown as risky.
Harry expressed concern that Camilla’s efforts to rehabilitate her image within the royal family made her “perilous” because of her proximity to the media, potentially leading to the exposure of private family matters and tarnishing the family’s reputation.
Consequently, Harry felt that he and other family members were at risk. In his memoir, he recounted instances where Camilla allegedly divulged information from their confidential discussions.
Moreover, he revealed that both Camilla and King Charles III were uneasy about the extensive attention William and Kate received, feeling it overshadowed their own joint endeavors. Adding to the complexity of their relationship, it was disclosed that Camilla had repurposed Harry’s former bedroom into her dressing room.
Following the release of Harry’s memoir and his candid interviews about his relationship with Camilla, sources close to her indicated that she felt “hurt” by her portrayal in Harry’s book. Nevertheless, she is striving to assert herself and become more comfortable in her role as the Queen Consort.
As the world observed the tensions within the Royal Family, Prince Harry’s visit to King Charles III raised hopes for reconciliation, although it may take much longer than anticipated.