Prince Harry was only treated to a very brief get-together with his father, King Charles, earlier this year due to one key reason, a royal expert has claimed.
The Duke of Sussex dashed to the UK back in February, after it was announced that the monarch had been diagnosed with a type of cancer. Following the shocking news, the prince took a flight from LA to London the next day, where he stayed for just over 25 hours before heading back.
During his visit, Harry briefly met with his father for less than an hour before the King returned to Sandringham. Shortly after the trip, the duke appeared on Good Morning America, where he spoke about his meeting and declared that he loves his family.
And it is that appearance which made King Charles hesitant to meet him properly in the first place, according to a royal expert.
Veteran royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams wrote in his column for the Express that King Charles would have felt hesitant to arrange an actual meeting with his son, in fear of private details getting out.
He said: “When Harry learnt King Charles had been diagnosed with cancer in February, he naturally flew over immediately, but the optics of this undoubtedly sincere visit were very odd indeed, as they only saw each other briefly.
“What was undoubtedly of concern to the King was his subsequent appearance on Good Morning America, he gave no details of their meeting, but did talk about how illness could bring families together.”z
Harry returned to the UK once again earlier this month for an appearance at St Paul’s Cathedral in celebration of the Invictus Games’s 10th anniversary.
He was not able to meet up with his father, who was busy attending a number of royal engagements.
Harry’s spokesman said at the time: “In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not the duke will meet with his father while in the UK this week, it, unfortunately, will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full programme.
“The duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”