Prince Harry has returned to his home in California after a whirlwind 24-hour trip to the UK to visit his father, King Charles III, who is suffering from cancer.
As reported by Daily express, The Duke of Sussex was spotted arriving at Los Angeles International Airport early Thursday morning, just a day after he landed at London’s Heathrow Airport on a red-eye flight from the west coast. His brief trip came shortly after Buckingham Palace announced on Monday that the King has skin cancer and will undergo treatment.
While back in Britain, Harry met with Charles at Clarence House, the King’s London residence, for a visit that only lasted between 30 to 45 minutes. No details have emerged about their conversation, but it was likely an emotional reunion for the father and son, who have had a strained relationship since Harry stepped back from royal duties in 2020.
Notably, Harry did not meet or speak with his elder brother Prince William during the trip. The siblings, once extremely close after the death of their mother Princess Diana, have grown apart in recent years. Harry now lives in Montecito, California with his wife Meghan Markle and their two young children, Archie and Lilibet.
Harry’s quick return to the US seems to dash any hopes for reconciliation between the brothers in the near future. Their frosty relationship showed no signs of thawing, even in the wake of their father’s cancer diagnosis. William has resumed his royal duties as Prince of Wales after taking time off in January when his wife Kate underwent abdominal surgery.
With his brief show of support for King Charles complete, Harry opted to stay at a hotel in London rather than on royal grounds. Last summer, he and Meghan were asked to return their keys to Frogmore Cottage, their UK home on the grounds of Windsor Castle, after Harry published his explosive memoir “Spare.”
The book included stunning allegations against his brother William and other royals, widening divisions in the family. Its contents built upon interviews Harry and Meghan gave last year for their Netflix documentary series about their experiences with the British press, racism within the monarchy, and their decision to step back from royal life.
While Harry came to visit King Charles as the monarch faces cancer treatment, his trip did not lead to the reconciliation many had hoped for between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family. The deep rifts caused by their allegations of neglect and mistreatment have yet to heal.
Some royal experts believe Charles may want to repair bonds with his younger son, but the damage inflicted by Harry’s public criticism of the family has caused hurt that will take time to mend. Other observers note that William seems less inclined to forgive his brother after repeatedly being targeted in interviews.
As Harry returns to Meghan and their young children in California, the Windsors face a challenging period coping with the King’s illness while divisions remain with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex living abroad. It appears the brief visit was not enough to spur rapprochement between the brothers, who may still be some way off from reconciling.
