Prince Harry arrives in UK to support King Charles, has no plans to see William

Prince Harry has landed in the UK to be with his father – but the bad blood between him and his brother still appears to be strong.

Jack Evans and Benedict Brook

3 min read

February 7, 2024 - 12:37PM

Harry snubs Prince William while visiting sick King Charles

Not even their father’s ill health appears to be enough to mend bridges between Prince Harry and Prince William.

It’s understood that the Prince of Wales has “no plans” to meet with his brother, the Duke of Sussex, during his dash to London to see King Charles the day after it was announced the monarch had cancer.

That’s despite Harry being open to a conversation “if the opportunity were to arise,” a source told The Sun.

But a source in the William camp told the same newspaper that the prince, 41, “remains focused” on the health of his wife the Princess of Wales who left hospital last week after abdominal surgery.

“There are no plans for Harry’s visit to act as some kind of vehicle for reconciliation,” the insider said.

The brothers’ relationship has hit rock bottom since the release of Harry’s tell-all memoir Spare in January 2022.

Prince Harry arrives to meet his father King Charles after it was revealed he is battling cancer. Picture: News Licensing/Mega

Harry’s chat with dad

On Tuesday, UK time, Prince Harry landed in England to be with King Charles after his shock cancer diagnosis.

The Duke of Sussex touched down at Heathrow Airport at just after 1pm local time and made his way to Clarence House, close to Buckingham Palace.

Iarry reportedly met with Charles for around an hour in Clarence House.

The King then departed by helicopter from the palace to the country residence of Sandringham, in England’s east.

It is not know for how long Harry will remain in Britain.

There are “no plans” for William and Harry to meet.

The Duke also spoke on the phone with the King about the diagnosis on Monday and is likely to put the feud with his family aside to support his father, a source told the Daily Mail.

Harry‘s wife Meghan Markle, and their two children, Archie and Lilibet have remained at home in the US.

Charles informed Harry of his diagnosis by phone, in what is understood to have been warm conversations, before Buckingham Palace issued its announcement at 6pm on Monday.

Meghan and their two children did not accompany Harry. Picture: AFP

Cancer ‘caught early’

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said: “I’m sure Harry will put aside the past right now for this serious issue. The Royal Family – including the Sussexes – it’s so important that everyone is pulling in the right direction.”

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was in regular contact with the King and revealed his cancer was “caught early”.

It comes after Harry and Meghan announced they would travel to Vancouver and Whistler in Canada in mid-February, one year out from the 2025 Invictus Games.

Sources say Harry is likely to put the past aside so he can support his father.

The Sussexes are slated to attend a series of public engagements during their visit.

It is not yet known if Harry’s plans to visit the UK will impact this trip.

Harry was last in England in September, when he was a special guest at the WellChild Awards in London.

It was heavily reported at the time the Duke did not see Charles or William while he was there, though he was photographed paying a solo visit at the late Queen’s final resting place in Windsor on the first anniversary of her death.

Harry gets the call

According to the Telegraph, Harry was at his Montecito home when Charles called him with news of his cancer diagnosis on Monday.

Harry was told at the same time of immediate members of the British royal family.

King Charles had recently undergone a medical procedure for an enlarged prostate, which prompted his stay in the hospital.

However, during this period, medical examinations uncovered a separate and concerning issue, leading to the diagnosis of cancer.

Harry is back in the UK to support his father. Picture: Henry Nicholls/AFP

A spokesman from Buckingham Palace stated: “Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer”.

The King has commenced treatment, prompting doctors to advise him to defer public-facing duties temporarily.

Despite this, the monarch will continue to fulfil state obligations and official paperwork during treatment.

He will remain in his role as the head of state of the UK, Australia, Canada and the other Commonwealth Realms.

The King was diagnosed with cancer after undergoing a medical procedure for an enlarged prostate. Picture: Stefan Rousseau

Expressing gratitude, the Palace added: “The King 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.”