Prince Harry is departing London following a brief visit to see his father, King Charles, shortly after Buckingham Palace disclosed the monarch’s cancer diagnosis.
The Duke of Sussex, aged 39, was sighted at London’s Heathrow Airport on Wednesday, following approximately 24 hours spent in the U.K., as reported by The Sun.
Prince Harry’s arrival on Tuesday involved a flight from Los Angeles on Monday. He purportedly proceeded to Clarence House, the residence of King Charles and Queen Camilla in London. It is believed that the father and son engaged in a brief private meeting, marking their first reunion since the coronation ceremony in May 2023.
“That is good,” a source close to the royal household tells exclusively in this week’s cover story. “Hopefully [Harry] will bring the grandchildren at some point too, as that would be lovely for all of them.”
While the Duke of Sussex spent time with his father before the King returned to Sandringham, a royal source indicated there were “no plans” for Prince Harry and his brother, Prince William, to convene.
It remains unclear where Prince Harry stayed overnight during his solo trip. He and his wife, Meghan Markle, were “requested to vacate” their Frogmore Cottage home in Windsor in March 2023 after stepping back from their royal roles in 2020 and moving to the U.S., a spokesperson said at the time.
The couple settled in Meghan Markle’s home state of California with their son, Prince Archie, aged 4, and later welcomed their daughter, Princess Lilibet, aged 2, stateside in 2021.
Prince Harry had a similarly brief visit to his home country when he made the 5,400-mile journey from California to London in May for his father’s coronation. Just hours after the crowning ceremony at Westminster Abbey, the Duke of Sussex headed to the airport to return home — and celebrate Prince Archie’s 4th birthday, coinciding with the royal event.
The Duke of Sussex was last in the U.K. when he attended the WellChild Awards in September. Harry has been a patron of the charity, which supports seriously ill children and their families, since 2007.
Prince Harry and Meghan are scheduled to visit Canada from Feb. 14 to Feb. 16 for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025’s One Year to Go celebrations. Over their three-day visit, the couple is expected to join members of the participating nations’ Winter Training Camp, which provides an opportunity for members of the International Invictus Community, including team managers, coaches, and competitors, to experience winter adaptive sports ahead of the Games next year.
Prince Harry, a former captain in the British Army, founded the international adaptive sports tournament for wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans in 2014.
It’s been reported that King Charles, 75, privately shared his cancer diagnosis with his two sons and other family members before Buckingham Palace issued a public announcement on Monday. Just two days ago, the palace released a 138-word statement disclosing that the monarch is undergoing treatment for “a form of cancer.” This revelation followed King Charles’ recent procedure to address a benign enlarged prostate on Jan. 26.
The announcement came a week after the King’s discharge from the London Clinic, where he spent three days recovering from the surgery. Notably, the diagnosis clarified that he does not have prostate cancer.
“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,” began the statement from Buckingham Palace.
“His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual,” it continued.
“The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible,” the statement added. “His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.”
As heir to the throne, Prince William may assume some responsibilities on behalf of his father in addition to his schedule of engagements in the upcoming weeks. However, there are presently no arrangements to designate Counsellors of State to act on King Charles’ behalf. Counsellors of State are members of the royal family who can perform constitutional duties for the monarch in case of their absence or incapacity.
“William will do his best, but the King will want to carry on with his duties as best he can,” says a source close to the royal household.
The Prince of Wales, 41, has a full schedule of his own and participated in his first public engagement on Wednesday since Kate Middleton returned home from the hospital after abdominal surgery, and Buckingham Palace announced the news about the King’s health.
William had temporarily stepped away from royal duties to assist in caring for his three children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis — while his wife, Princess Kate, recuperated. Kensington Palace previously stated that the Princess of Wales, 42, is not anticipated to resume public appearances until at least Easter.
It was confirmed that Prince William would resume his duties before Buckingham Palace announced the news about King Charles. The Prince of Wales conducted a morning of investitures at Windsor Castle on behalf of his father on Wednesday, presenting medals to notable individuals such as former soccer player Ellen White and brigadier Tobias Lambert, who was honored as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.
Investitures acknowledge exceptional achievements, acts of personal bravery, or services to the U.K., with ceremonies held throughout the year to celebrate individuals named in the New Year Honors List or the sovereign’s Birthday Honors list.
King Charles began outpatient treatment in London on Monday and reportedly returned to Sandringham — where he and Queen Camilla attended church on Sunday — on Tuesday after meeting with Harry. Feb. 6 holds emotional significance on the family calendar, marking both the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s accession and the death of her father, King George VI.
