Prince Harry Speaks Out & Insists He Loves His Family In First Interview Since Visiting Cancer-Stricken King Charles

Feb 19, 2024

The last few years have been momentous for the British monarchy, culminating in the tragic passing of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, on Sept. 8, 2022, at Balmoral Castle. It was a devastating day for the royal family as many members gathered to be by her side in her final moments. 

That same day, Elizabeth’s eldest son, King Charles III, ascended the throne. Just one day later, he addressed the United Kingdom as its new monarch. And less than two years since, the royal family was again hit with tragic news when Buckingham Palace revealed Charles had been diagnosed with cancer on Feb. 5, 2024.

Born on Nov. 14, 1948, when Elizabeth was still a princess, Charles broke with tradition several times in his youth, attending school instead of being privately tutored, as was the norm. He also became the first royal to earn a university degree at Trinity College, Cambridge. He later joined the Royal Air Force after becoming the Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester in July 1958.  

Charles’ personal life has been a hot topic for decades, particularly since his marriage to Princess Diana and subsequent divorce. However, he has worked hard to put his name in a good light, lending his support to several non-profit organizations. Charles is also interested in topics such as the environment, global sustainability, youth opportunities and education.

His efforts culminated in the tide of public favor turning his way in the years since he became king, leading to an outpouring of shock and devastation when news of his ill health became public. Among those most concerned about Charles’ health was his youngest son, Prince Harry, who, despite his falling out with the royal family years ago, did not hesitate to reunite with his father upon hearing the devastating news.

Early 2024 saw King Charles III facing some serious health issues. Buckingham Palace first announced on Jan. 17, 2024, that the monarch was scheduled to undergo treatment the following week in the hospital for an enlarged prostate. The next day, his wife, Queen Camilla, revealed Charles was feeling “fine” and “looking forward to getting back to work.” 

On Jan. 26, 2024, Charles was admitted to the London Clinic, where he underwent the treatment. He stayed for three nights before being discharged. However, the palace announced that all his prior engagements would be postponed to allow him sufficient time to rest and recuperate. In the following days, Camilla again stated that Charles had been “doing his best” since the treatment before the pair made their first public appearance together on Feb. 4, 2024, at Sandringham Church. There, Charles gave the crowd a reassuring wave, raising the people’s spirits. However, the consolation would be short-lived as the next day, Buckingham Palace released devastating news.

It revealed that, during Charles’ prostate treatment, “diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer,” while stressing it was not prostate cancer. It said the king had “commenced a schedule of regular treatments” while his public-facing duties were postponed on the advice of his doctors. However, the 75-year-old monarch would “continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual,” it added.

As the public rallied around him and lauded his decision to be wholly transparent about his health issues, Charles revealed it was “equally heartening to hear how sharing my own diagnosis has helped promote public understanding.”

Among those whose concern must have been the greatest comfort to the king was his somewhat estranged son, Prince Harry, who made the trip across the pond as soon as the news reached him in the United States.

Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, shocked the world by announcing they were stepping back as senior royals in 2020. They relocated to the US, where they live with their two children, son Prince Archie and daughter Princess Lilibet in California. 

Since their exit, Harry and Meghan have been vocal in criticizing the royal family, leading to the prince’s relationship with both his father, King Charles, and elder brother, Prince William, deteriorating. Despite the distance, Prince Harry showed he was still a loyal and loving son when he dropped everything to see his father when news hit that he had taken ill.

Harry’s last trip to the United Kingdom was in May 2023 for his father’s coronation. On Feb. 7, 2024, Harry landed at Heathrow Airport and headed straight to the king’s London home, Clarence House. There, he spent under an hour with the king before flying back to the U.S. less than 24 hours later.  

In an interview with ABC News, Harry revealed he learned of Charles’ illness from his father himself and “jumped on a plane and went to go see him as soon as I could.”

Harry also defended himself against those questioning his loyalty, as he said: “Look, I love my family. The fact that I was able to get on a plane and go and see him and spend any time with him, I’m grateful for that.”

While Harry kept mum on details surrounding Charles’ health, saying this “stays between him and me,” he did offer a sliver of hope at reconciling with his father. When asked if he believed such a challenging time for a family could have a reunifying effect, Harry responded: “Absolutely. Yeah, I’m sure.”  

Do you think there’s hope for a reconciliation between Prince Harry and his father? What are your thoughts on Harry’s reaction to his father’s heartbreaking health news? Let us know, then pass this along to friends and loved ones who are interested in royal family updates, too.