Prince Harry’s visit to the U.K. to see his father, King Charles III, amid his cancer diagnosis reportedly came with a few rules. While the Duke of Sussex wanted to show support for his dad, he apparently received a set of instructions which led to their reunion only lasting around 30-45 minutes.
A source told The Sun that palace staff were concerned that “they’d never get rid of [Harry]” if he went to Sandringham to visit Charles. The British tabloids are suggesting that is the reason why Prince Harry met his father at Clarence House for a brief visit and stayed at a hotel instead of one of his family’s properties. The meeting appears to have moved the king, who looked emotional in his car afterward, and Harry was seen looking quite uplifted and happy – perhaps renewed about connecting with his father.
More from SheKnows
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 11: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Prince Harry and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales look at a mobile phone as they watch the athletics at Lee Valley Track during the Invictus Games on September 11, 2014 in London, England.
The source shared that the quick transatlantic trip was viewed as a sweet “gesture” and a “cause for optimism” over the long-running feud. The concern seemed to be surrounding the Duke of Sussex’s initiative to fly overseas at the last minute. “Harry came over to see his father, expecting to go to Sandringham. But instead he was asked to be at Clarence House and was restricted to 30 minutes,” the insider added. “The fear was that if he went to Sandringham, they would never get rid of him.”
Well, it anyone had asked more questions, they would have realized that Harry was expected in Las Vegas just days later for the NFL Honors and in Canada to promote the 2025 Invictus Games (which was public knowledge by that time). Harry was not going to be an unwanted visitor for weeks at a time, he was a son looking to connect with his father during a very vulnerable moment in his life. It was significant became it was the first time he was along with King Charles since Queen Elizabeth II’s death in 2022.
So instead of the palace aides spinning the narrative to the British tabloids, perhaps everyone should listen to Prince Harry’s most recent words to Good Morning America. “I love my family,” he stated. “The fact that I was able to get on a plane and go see and spend any time with [my dad], I’m grateful for that.”
Before you go, click here to see the 100 best photos of the royal family from the past 20 years.
