Prince Harry departed the United Kingdom just a day after reuniting with his father, King Charles III, in what appears to be a brief visit that didn’t include a meeting with his brother, Prince William.
Harry took a flight from Los Angeles on Monday and landed at Heathrow Airport on Tuesday following King Charles’ cancer diagnosis.
His wife, Meghan Markle, didn’t make the trip with him as she stayed back in L.A. to watch over their kids. Charles has since toned down his duties and was seen for the first time in the company of Queen Camilla as they left Clarence House and traveled back to Sandringham.
Prince Harry Leaves U.K. After Reuniting With His Father
The Duke of Sussex has reportedly left the U.K. after making a quick dash to support his ailing father. According to a report, airport security was on high alert as Harry arrived at the VIP Windsor Suite at Terminal 5 in a black Land Rover Discovery.
He wore a suit jacket over a T-shirt and jeans as he greeted the British Airways executive lounge’s doorman. He reportedly stayed in a hotel for his visit to Charles as he and Meghan already vacated their Frogmore Cottage home in Windsor last March after stepping back from their royal roles in 2020 and moving to the U.S.
Harry arrived in the U.K. on Tuesday, February 6, and reportedly traveled to Clarence House, where Charles and Camilla reside, for a private meeting with the king.
“That is good,” a source close to the royals told People magazine. “Hopefully, [Harry] will bring the grandchildren at some point, too, as that would be lovely for all of them.”
Prince Harry Didn’t Meet His Brother
During Harry’s visit, there was reportedly no interaction between him and his older brother, Prince William, whose relationship has been strained.
Hopes were high that the pair may sheath their swords and mend things during his trip, but those speculations have now been dashed as a source told the Daily Mail that Harry’s “primary reason” for going to the U.K. is to “visit his father.”
“If the opportunity were to arise to see the Prince of Wales, then the Duke would have gladly accepted it,” the insider added.
That opportunity didn’t come as William didn’t drop in on Harry and “remains focused” on looking after his wife, Kate Middleton, who recently had abdominal surgery and will not return to her royal duties until after Easter.
“There are no plans for Harry’s visit to act as some kind of vehicle for reconciliation,” an insider said of the pair’s strained relationship.
King Charles Takes Break From ‘Public Facing Duties’
Following his cancer diagnosis, an official statement from the palace noted that the king is set to tone down his “public facing duties” as he has “commenced a schedule of regular treatments.” However, he will “continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.”
The statement also conveyed the king’s gratitude to his medical team for their “swift intervention” and that “he remains wholly positive about his treatment.”
“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,” the statement added.
Palace sources say he will divide time in his country residences and return to London for meetings, business, and outpatient treatment for his cancer.
An insider said, “Charles always keeps a tight schedule and had a planned itinerary to leave London to rest and recuperate in Norfolk.
King Charles Seen For The First Time After Meeting With Prince Harry
After enjoying the “short private meeting” with Harry, Charles and Camilla were seen leaving Clarence House in London for Sandringham, where they expectedly spent Ascension day, per the Telegraph. The royals waved through the window to the crowd as they headed to Buckingham Palace before traveling to Sandringham House by Helicopter.
Charles seemingly followed in his mother, Queen Elizabeth’s footsteps of spending February 6 over at Sandringham House. The day marks an emotional one for the British royal family as King George VI was found dead in his bed at Sandringham On February 6, 1952.
At the time, Elizabeth only learned about the incident after a while as she was in Kenya on a wildlife-watching stop during a royal tour with her husband, Prince Philip.
The 25-year-old then-Princess Elizabeth ascended the throne shortly after and made it a tradition to spend the day privately at the royal residence in the Norfolk countryside, about 110 miles north of London.