“A deliberate attempt by the King and the Palace to show that he is okay, that we mustn’t worry too much but yes this is a real setback for him, so early in his reign, obviously.”
Jennie, who was the BBC’s royal correspondent for 14 years, said the “setback” was a part of a really “shocking start” to the new year for the royal family.
The King’s cancer diagnosis follows Princess Kate’s abdominal surgery and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York’s, skin cancer confirmation – the second diagnosis in the space of months.
Jennie added: “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.”
The King’s shocking health revelation was announced at 6pm this evening by Buckingham Palace.
He made sure that he told all of his immediate family as early as possible, including his siblings and children, with those in the UK being given the news in person.
The Duke of Sussex is likely to fly into London from California later today, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Harry lives in Montecito in California with his wife Meghan Markle and their two young children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, but it is not yet known if or when they will join him.
