In a recent interview with Good Morning America's Will Reeve, Prince Harry opened up about his father, King Charles, following the announcement of his cancer diagnosis. The Duke of Sussex, who was in Canada at the time for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025's One Year to Go celebrations with his wife Meghan Markle, spoke candidly about his father's condition and their relationship.
When asked about how he first learned about his father's diagnosis, Harry revealed that he had spoken directly to him. He wasted no time and immediately boarded a plane to be by his father's side. Expressing his gratitude for being able to spend time with his family during this difficult period, the prince stated, 'Look, I love my family. The fact that I was able to get on a plane, go and see him, and spend any time with him—I'm grateful for that.'
Harry also touched upon the potential impact of his father's illness on the royal family. Responding to the question of whether the diagnosis could have a 'reunifying effect,' the Duke of Sussex acknowledged the strength of family bonds that are often fortified in times of illness. Drawing from his own experiences, Harry remarked, 'I think any illness, any sickness brings families together.'
Last week, Prince Harry made a brief visit to the UK to see his father. Buckingham Palace had recently announced King Charles' cancer diagnosis, and prior to the public announcement, the monarch personally informed both Prince Harry and his brother Prince William, as well as other family members. During Harry's short trip, he and his father had a private meeting at Clarence House before King Charles and Queen Camilla left London for Sandringham. This reunion marked their first encounter since the coronation ceremony in May 2023.
Sources close to the royal household have expressed their approval of the visit, stating, 'That is good. Hopefully, [Harry] will bring the grandchildren at some point too, as that would be lovely for all of them.'
It is worth noting that Prince Harry's relationship with his family has been strained in recent years. In his memoir, 'Spare,' released in January 2022, he laid bare the painful rift between himself and the royal family. Omid Scobie, author of 'Endgame,' sheds light on the ongoing dynamics, revealing that the hurt and anger between Prince William and Prince Harry have now transformed into indifference.
Scobie further explains that the release of 'Spare' was seen as Harry's final attempt to express his longstanding feelings towards his family. Sadly, there had not been an open enough forum for these conversations and emotions to be shared. The breakdown in the relationship between the two princes was described as a cold and immovable indifference, highlighting the lack of progress in their reconciliation.
Prince Harry's recent visit to see his father in the midst of his health battle offers a glimmer of hope for a potential thaw in the strained relations within the royal family. Time will tell if this challenging period will serve as a catalyst for healing or bring about further divisions. As the world watches, we can only hope for a resolution and a strengthened bond between father and son.
