Prince Harry, Prince William Could Reconcile Amid King Charles’ Cancer Battle
The revelation of King Charles III's cancer diagnosis has sparked speculation about the potential for a reconciliation between his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.
The Duke of Sussex, 39, arrived at the U.K.'s London Heathrow Airport from California on Tuesday, just a day after Buckingham Palace publicly announced his father's diagnosis.
Prince Harry's visit raised hopes among royal experts for a thaw in the strained relationship between the brothers.
Journalist and GB News host Camilla Tominey commented, "I think most people watching this will be thinking to themselves, 'Look, at the end of the day, if a cancer diagnosis of the only parent you have left isn't enough to get both royal brothers on speaking terms again, what will be?'"
Kate Middleton, Prince William and Prince Harry take part in a relay race, during a training event to promote the charity Heads Together, at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, on February 5, 2017.
"I could imagine that having had to care for his wife and now obviously deeply worried about his father's health, William could do with all the brotherly support you can get right now," she added.
Prince William and Prince Harry's relationship has reportedly been strained since the latter stepped back as a working royal and moved to California with his wife, Meghan Markle. The Duke of Sussex's bombshell memoir, "Spare," and interviews discussing royal life reportedly widened the rift between the siblings.
Bur royal expert Jennie Bond said she is hopeful that Prince Harry could mend his fractured relationship with not only his father but also his older brother.
"Could this lead to a reconciliation? Not only with his dad, I think that's pretty much on the cards, but possibly with William. William does need his brother right now," Bond told GB News hosts Isabel Webster and Eamonn Holmes of Prince Harry's return to the U.K.
While acknowledging the complexity of the brothers' relationship, Bond expressed optimism, stating, "We can but hope. It didn't happen when [Queen Elizabeth II] died, we thought it possibly would. It got worse if anything, but this time I think the hope must be a little higher."
Prince Harry headed to his father's longtime residence, Clarence House, after arriving in the U.K. Tuesday, People reported.
Prince Harry chats with Prince Charles, Prince of Wales during a visit to The Nek, a narrow stretch of ridge in the Anzac battlefield on the Gallipoli Peninsula, as part of commemorations marking the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Gallipoli on April 25, 2015 in Gallipoli, Turkey.
The last time the King and his younger son were together was at the monarch's coronation ceremony in May 2023.
But while the Duke of Sussex went to see his father, an unnamed royal source informed People that there are currently "no plans" for Prince Harry and Prince William to meet.
Prince William has been busy caring for his three children and supporting his wife, Kate Middleton, as she recuperates from abdominal surgery.
The Prince of Wales also resumes public duties Wednesday, attending an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle and the annual fundraising gala for the London Air Ambulance.
Britain's King Charles III (R) and Prince William, Prince of Wales (L) attend the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph on November 12, 2023 in London, England.
While there are currently no plans to appoint Counsellors of State to act on King Charles' behalf, the heir to the British throne may take on additional responsibilities on behalf of his father as the monarch has temporarily stepped back from public duties during his treatment, according to People.
Bond empathized with Prince William's situation, telling GB News, "William must be looking his destiny in the eye rather more clearly right now."
The royal expert added, "Perhaps this is a time where he might feel he needs his brother. I just don't know if that can be patched up, but you would hope so."
