Prince Harry has returned to the U.K. following the news of his father, King Charles, being diagnosed with cancer. The Duke of Sussex arrived in London on Tuesday after flying in from Los Angeles.
It is reported that Prince Harry was escorted by two black SUVs, believed to be security vehicles, from Heathrow Airport to Clarence House, which has been King Charles' residence in London for a long time. King Charles had returned to London from Sandringham, where he had attended church with Queen Camilla on Sunday, in order to begin his treatment as an outpatient.
Prince Harry and King Charles haven't seen each other since the coronation ceremony in May. A source close to the royal household shared with PEOPLE exclusively, 'That is good. Hopefully, [Harry] will bring the grandchildren at some point too, as that would be lovely for all of them.'
Prince Harry made the trip to the U.K. alone, leaving behind his wife, Meghan Markle, and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, at their home in Montecito, California. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved to Meghan's home state after stepping back as working members of the royal family in 2020.
This is Prince Harry's first visit to the U.K. since attending the WellChild Awards in September 2023. Last year, he visited England in May for King Charles' coronation and in June to appear as a witness at the High Court of the Royal Courts of Justice in a lawsuit against Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) concerning alleged unlawful information gathering. He also made a surprise appearance in London in March 2023 for a legal case in which he and other prominent figures, such as Elton John, Elizabeth Hurley, and Sadie Frost, sued Associated Newspapers Ltd (ANL) over illegal information gathering.
On Monday, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles, 75, had been diagnosed with cancer after a procedure to treat an enlarged prostate. The palace clarified that the monarch does not have prostate cancer.
According to the palace statement, '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.' The statement also mentioned that King Charles has begun a schedule of regular treatments and has been advised by doctors to postpone public duties temporarily. However, he will continue to handle state business and official paperwork as usual.
The palace emphasized that King Charles is appreciative of his medical team's prompt intervention, thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He maintains a positive outlook on his treatment and looks forward to resuming full public duty as soon as possible. The statement further explained that King Charles chose to disclose his diagnosis to prevent speculation and hopes that his openness will help those around the world affected by cancer gain a better understanding.
It is known that King Charles personally informed his two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, about his cancer diagnosis. He also shared the news with his three siblings—Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward—before it was made public.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, speaking during an appearance on BBC Radio 5 Live, expressed that King Charles' cancer had been caught early. He conveyed his shock and sadness and extended his thoughts to the King and his family. Sunak assured that he would maintain regular communication with King Charles during this time.
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