King Charles and Prince Harry at Queen Elizabeth’s lying-in-state procession on Sept. 14, 2022.Photo:Jeff J Mitchell - WPA Pool/Getty
Jeff J Mitchell - WPA Pool/Getty
WhenKing Charlesrevealed his cancer diagnosis,Prince Harryimmediately hoppedon a plane from Californiato the U.K. to see his father — a positive sign after years of strain between the Duke of Sussex and the royal family.
“I’m sure it was emotionally draining for both of them, but it was a step in the right direction. It was a positive move,” the source adds of their brief visit. Having flown overnight from Los Angeles, Prince Harry would have liked to have had more than the 30 minutes or so that was allotted beforereturning to California the following day, but he was “grateful to be able to speak directly to his father and show his support for him,” says a source.
When asked how he first learned about his father’s cancer diagnosis, Harry replied, “I spoke to him. I jumped on a plane and went to go see him as soon as I could.”
“Look, I love my family. The fact that I was able to get on a plane and go and see him and spend any time with him, I’m grateful for that,” Harry said in the interview.
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But while there are signs of reconciliation between Prince Harry and his father, his trip to the U.K. did not include a visit with his brother,Prince William, although the Duke of Sussex is thought to have reached out to the Prince of Wales, 41. A former courtier suggests that the Prince of Wales' “principal concern is his wife"Kate Middletonduring her recovery fromabdominal surgery.
“It would be the normal run of things to go and see your sister-in-law who’s had a serious operation and also see your niece and nephews. But it isn’t normal. It’s terribly sad,” a source close to the royal household tells PEOPLE.
Prince William and Prince Harry unveil a statue of Princess Diana on July 1, 2021.YUI MOK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Trust continues to be a concern following the Duke of Sussex’s memoir,Spare,and therevealing Netflix docuserieswith his wife,Meghan Markle. During Harry’s visit with his father,Queen Camillamade a deliberate effort to be in the room.
“This is all to do with William’s wish to protect the institution of the monarchy, which he feels Harry can’t be trusted with. I don’t think William will ever agree to readmission of Harry into the family unless he clearly apologizes and moves forward,” royal author Robert Lacey tells PEOPLE.
King Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry.Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage
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However, a reconciliation with his older brother remains unlikely, and it’s even more doubtful that King Charles will mediate healing between his two sons.
“Of course he would like Harry to be the prodigal son and come back and would be much happier if William and Harry were friends again. But he realizes that is just not about to happen,” says royal biographer Ingrid Seward, author ofMy Mother and I.
source: people.com
