Prince Harry is racing to get back to the UK to be by his father King Charles’s side – but wife Meghan won’t be joining him a source has revealed.
The Duke of Sussex is jetting off from California to support his father after his cancer diagnosis was revealed to the prince privately and then to the world at 6pm today.
But Harry’s wife Meghan Markle The Duchess of Sussex and their children Prince Archie, four, and Princess Lilibet, two, will not be joining him. Instead they will remain at home in Montecito, a source close to the duke has said, reports MailOnline.
The source said: “The duke did speak with his father about his diagnosis. He will be traveling to UK to see His Majesty in the coming days.”
According to royal expert Jennie Bond – who was the BBC’s royal correspondent for 14 years – it could be the start of a reconciliation between Prince Harry and key members of the Royal Family.
Speaking to Sky News she said: “This is a pretty shocking start to the new year for the whole of the royal family – and now Harry coming back.
“I mean maybe that’s another blessing in disguise. Maybe finally, finally his father’s illness will bring a reconciliation that we’ve all been talking about – seems forever.”
It’s been a rocky few years when it comes to relations between the Sussexes and key members of the Royal Family.
Much of the tension in the family comes from Prince Harry and Meghan’s decision to talk publicly about family issues on a tell-all Oprah Winfrey interview, in the Duke’s memoir Spare and on their Netflix docu-series.
The statement from Buckingham Palace issued earlier today said: “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.
“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.”
The King will not be appointing counsellors of state while he undergoes cancer treatment.
It’s thought the heir to the throne Prince William will also have to step up royal engagements.
