As the world processes the shocking news of King Charles’s cancer diagnosis, Prince Harry, who has been estranged from his father and the rest of the Royal Family for years, has arrived in the United Kingdom to be by his father’s side.
The unexpected visit has reignited hopes for a reconciliation that seemed elusive in recent years.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams acknowledged the challenging circumstances surrounding the Royal Family but expressed optimism about the potential for positive outcomes.
“Sometimes benefits can come from difficult times and situations we would never wish on anyone,” he told the Daily Mail.
“The news that King Charles has cancer is a severe shock. It is only natural that Harry should want to be with him. It is also wise that he comes alone as there is a serious rift within the royal family.
“Harry will, despite all the disagreements of past years, naturally want to wish his father a speedy recovery in person.
“Let us hope that from this meeting, at a very difficult time for the royal family with the Princess of Wales recovering from an abdominal surgery, a positive future, which would obviously include Meghan, emerges.
“This might be difficult, as their differences have been so in the public domain, but would benefit everyone involved enormously.
“The main issue for the moment is obviously that of the King’s health, everyone knows how serious cancer can be and will wish this remarkable monarch, who waited longer than any other Prince of Wales to succeed to the throne, a speedy and complete recovery.”
Although Prince Harry has made the effort to meet with his father as he faces health challenges, no such plans are in place for Harry to visit with his brother Prince William.
“There are no plans for Harry’s visit to act as some kind of vehicle for reconciliation,” a royal insider told The Sun.
William will likely not have the time to reconcile with his estranged brother as he is expected to step up to fulfill some of the Monarch’s duties while King Charles commences treatment.
The news of the Monarch’s health sent shockwaves globally. After spending three nights in the hospital for a procedure on a benign enlarged prostate, a separate issue was identified. The palace later confirmed, through a statement, that subsequent tests revealed the presence of cancer, emphasising it’s unrelated to the previous prostate problem.
“During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer,” the statement read.
“His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.
“The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.
“His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.”
-with Reuters.