King Charles, who is battling cancer, briefly met with Harry at his home, Clarence House
Prince Harry’s brief visit to his father, King Charles III, who is battling cancer, made a significant impact in the United Kingdom. Arriving promptly after the monarch’s diagnosis was made public, Harry’s support has sparked varied interpretations among royal commentators, with some viewing it positively and others with criticism.
“Harry’s arrival is what truly matters. Recognizing the profound divisions within the royal family, he understood the importance of coming alone,” Richard Fitzwilliams explained to Fox News Digital. “As time goes on, it’s crucial that the family prioritizes unity over any lingering conflicts.”
Related Post: Queen Camilla shares King Charles’s health update after cancer diagnosis
Royal expert Shannon Felton suggested that Harry’s trip was a desperate move. Speaking to Fox News Digital, she said, “He spent only 24 hours there, had a brief 45-minute visit with his father, then promptly flew out and alerted the press after the king’s statement, despite reportedly being informed beforehand. Additionally, he didn’t make time to visit his sister-in-law or nieces and nephews, who are also coping with a challenging health situation. It’s difficult to see it as anything other than a PR move for Harry. It’s disappointing because I had hoped this news would prompt him to wake up and address the issues.”
On Wednesday, just one day after arriving, Prince Harry left the UK. He was seen at Heathrow Airport before catching a commercial flight to Los Angeles.
Upon his arrival on Tuesday, Harry had a brief visit with the monarch at Clarence House in London. However, he did not meet with Prince William. Royal expert Hilary Fordwich had earlier informed Fox News Digital that despite Harry’s desire for a reunion with his older brother, no meeting was arranged.
Fitzwilliams pointed out that the timing wasn’t right for a reunion. “The brothers were never as close as we thought, but with Catherine recovering, William feeling pressure to step up, and his clear worry for his father, it wasn’t the right moment for a meeting. They haven’t spoken in months. William doesn’t trust Harry, and the way they’ve exploited their grievances with the royal family has been relentless,” he commented on Harry’s approach to airing his grievances.
The meeting between the king and his estranged son on Tuesday was short, reportedly lasting only 45 minutes. According to Fordwich, the Duke of Sussex was not permitted to stay at any of the royal residences during his brief visit.
Following Harry’s arrival, King Charles and Queen Camilla were photographed leaving shortly thereafter, waving to onlookers from their vehicle.
On Wednesday, Prince William spoke publicly for the first time and acknowledged the overwhelming support his family had received for both his father and his wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales, who recently underwent abdominal surgery and spent nearly two weeks in the hospital.
During an event at London’s Air Ambulance Charity, Prince William, accompanied by actor Tom Cruise, expressed gratitude to the crowd, stating that the support “means a great deal to us all.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Prince William returned to his royal duties by attending an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. The ceremony recognized the remarkable accomplishments of various individuals. There are six different Orders of Chivalry and two Orders of Merit that can be conferred upon individuals at various levels. Recipients become officers of either the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire or the Order of the British Empire.
Recipients of the honors included former athletes, current educators, and executives. The ceremony, typically held at Buckingham Palace, was likely moved to Windsor Castle so that William could stay near his wife, who is recuperating at their residence, Adelaide Cottage, as per Fordwich’s speculation.