King Charles' '4-word response' to Harry's request to meet during UK visit
Prince Harry is set to return to the UK solo next week and it's claimed that he has reached out to his father King Charles with an 'olive branch' request to meet up. While it's already been confirmed that Meghan Markle won't be accompanying her husband for his visit, it's believed the King had a simple 'four-word response' to his son's offer.
The Duke of Sussex, 39, will be in London to attend a special event celebrating the Invictus Games on Wednesday 8 May for its 10th anniversary ceremony, which is taking place at St Paul's Cathedral. Harry's wife, Meghan, 42, will be staying in the US, especially due to the fact it is the couple's eldest child, Prince Archie's fifth birthday two days before.
While experts thinks a catchup between estranged brothers Williams and Harry is off the cards, it's reported that the Duke of Sussex will make time to see his father, King Charles III, 75, who is also currently receiving treatment for an unnamed cancer.
According to The Mirror, no senior royals will attend the landmark anniversary event with Harry, but the Duke has reportedly reached out to his father asking him to meet whilst he is in the country. Sources have told the publication that when Prince Harry contacted his father and asked for a visit, King Charles had a simple 'four-word response' to the request, that he would definitely do so "if he is able".
The source said: "Harry has kept in regular contact with his father on several occasions and made no secret of his desire to see him when he can. He has been especially concerned about him and hopes the King will be well and able to see him as planned."
Harry and Meghan's relationship with the Royals has remained strained since they stepped down from Royal duties in March 2020. The couple relocated to California and have only returned to the UK on a handful of occasions, such as Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in September 2022.
Harry and Charles last reunited earlier this year when the monarch publicly announced his cancer diagnosis. Harry jetted to the UK to see his dad in person following the news.
It comes as King Charles' candidly shared his "shock" at being diagnosed with cancer during a recent visit to the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in London. There, he met with fellow patients and staff, learning about the latest treatments and the vital care provided by the center.
Since early February, King Charles has been undergoing treatment for an unspecified type of cancer, and just last Friday, the Palace confirmed his return to public engagements, signalling his positive response to nearly three months of outpatient cancer care.
Harry's upcoming stay in London will be brief, with sources close to the Royal Family saying that the meeting between Harry and the King, if it happens, will be short due to the King’s packed schedule. The monarch is scheduled to appear at a weekly audience with the Prime Minister and also attend the first Buckingham Palace Garden Party.
