Prince Harry has landed in the UK to be by his father’s side after Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles was diagnosed with cancer. The Duke of Sussex, who lives in California with his wife Meghan Markle and their two children, flew in on a private jet on Tuesday, a source close to him confirmed.
Harry, who has not seen his father since last year, was said to be “deeply concerned” and “anxious” about the king’s health. He spoke to him on the phone before leaving the US and will visit him at Windsor Castle as soon as possible.
The king, 75, began outpatient treatments on Monday after the cancer was discovered during a routine check-up for a benign enlarged prostate. The palace did not reveal what type of cancer he has, but said it was not prostate cancer and that he was “wholly positive” about his treatment.
The king will continue to perform his constitutional duties as head of state, but will postpone his public engagements for the foreseeable future. He was due to visit Australia and New Zealand in March, but the trip has been cancelled.
The news of the king’s cancer came as a shock to the nation and the world, as he had appeared in good health and spirits in recent months. He celebrated his 75th birthday in November with a lavish party at Buckingham Palace, attended by his family and close friends. He also delivered a Christmas speech that praised the efforts of the NHS and the scientists who developed the Covid-19 vaccines.
The king, who ascended the throne in 2022 after the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II, has been widely praised for his modern and progressive approach to the monarchy. He has championed causes such as environmentalism, social justice, and interfaith dialogue, and has been vocal about the need to tackle climate change.
The king has also been supportive of his sons and their families, despite the controversies and tensions that have surrounded them. He welcomed Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back from royal duties and pursue a more independent life in the US, and expressed his happiness at the birth of their daughter Lilibet in June. He also maintained a close relationship with Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton, who are expected to succeed him as king and queen.
The king’s cancer diagnosis has sparked an outpouring of sympathy and well-wishes from political leaders, celebrities, and ordinary people around the world. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he had “no doubt” the king would “be back to full strength in no time” and that the whole country was “wishing him well”. French President Emmanuel Macron sent his “amitiés” and wished the king a “speedy recovery”. Singer Elton John, who is a close friend of the king, said he was “heartbroken” and “praying” for him.
The king’s family and friends are also rallying around him and offering their support. His wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, has been by his side throughout his diagnosis and treatment. Also his brother Prince Edward and his sister Princess Anne have visited him at Windsor Castle. His former wife Princess Diana, who divorced him in 1996, said she was “saddened” by the news and hoped for his “swift recovery”.
The king’s cancer battle is expected to be a long and difficult one, but he has shown remarkable resilience and courage in the face of adversity. He has also expressed his gratitude for the love and care he has received from his medical team and the public. He said in a statement: “I am deeply touched by the many messages of support and encouragement that I have received. I am determined to fight this disease with all my strength and hope. I thank you all for your kindness and prayers.”
