Prince Harry’s plans to ‘step in’ amid Kate Middleton cancer news reportedly rejected by palace

Prince Harry reportedly wants to step up for his cancer-stricken family, but not if his brother Prince William can help it.

Prince Harry is reportedly ready to ‘step in’. Picture: Ben Stansall - WPA Pool/Getty Images

A “devastated” Prince Harry could make a shock return to the royal family following news that his sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, is battling cancer.

The Duke of Sussex has reportedly offered his services to help his family while Kate is unable to fulfil her royal duties as she undergoes treatment.

Likewise, Harry’s father, King Charles, is also currently taking extended leave as he undergoes treatment following his own cancer diagnosis last month. Both the King and the Princess of Wales’ types of cancer have not been revealed.

Prince Harry was already feeling the distance from his family at his father’s coronation last May. Picture: Ben Stansall - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Harry reportedly sees this moment as the “perfect opportunity” for him to mend relationships with his family, especially Prince William, after stepping away from the firm in 2020 and moving to the US with wife Meghan Markle.

However, a Buckingham Palace aide has revealed his offer to return has not been welcomed.

“Harry has told the King he will step in and help, if he wants him to, but there is no way after everything that has happened between them that his majesty can allow him back in,” the aide said, as per the Herald Sun.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped away from royal duties in 2020. Picture: Toby Melville - WPA Pool/Getty Images

According to the aide, there is just “too much water under the bridge” and a return from Harry – who is fifth in line for the throne – return to the fold “would just make things worse”.

Indeed, just last week, the palace appeared to show how they felt about Harry after they quietly removed his bio and that of his wife Meghan from its official website. Instead, the duo were given a joint bio that clearly states they no longer wanted to be working royals.

Furthermore, their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet’s bios were scrapped from the site altogether.

The family in happier times. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

It’s believed Harry first made his desire to return known last month after King Charles was diagnosed with cancer. But according to The Mirror, Prince William shot down the suggestion, telling friends there was “no chance” of it happening.

At the time, Harry had made an emergency solo dash to the UK after being told of King Charles’ illness, and it has since been suggested that he may step up to help his brother in sharing the load while their father undergoes treatment.

Prince William reportedly wants nothing to do with his brother. Picture: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

“Harry is ready and willing to help and genuinely believes it would work well for both parties. In his view, it wouldn’t be dissimilar from what was proposed back in 2020, with a hybrid model of working,” a source told the publication.

“With the King’s illness there is perhaps more of a reason for those options to be considered.”

Kensington Palace released this video of Kate Middleton revealing she is undergoing treatment for cancer.

However, it has been widely reported that William has no interest in speaking to or working with him – and has told friends that he and Meghan “cannot be trusted”.

The Prince of Wales has reportedly held private meetings with his father in Sandringham, where the King is recuperating, and made his position clear.

“Whatever has been discussed between William and the King is private, but it is absolutely and categorically clear that he would not allow Harry to return,” the source said.

“If anyone is going to take on more duties it will be William and that isn’t even on the agenda for now. His main focus is on his father’s health, his family and what is best for the monarchy. There is a zero per cent chance Harry is coming back in any capacity.”