(CNN) — Following the surprise announcement of King Charles III's cancer diagnosis by Buckingham Palace on Monday, Prince Harry flew to the United Kingdom to visit his father, according to media reports.
Harry, who arrived in London from California on Tuesday, has been in a long and public spat with his family since he and his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, stepped back from royal duties, although the duke issued a brief message. He went to England for Charles' coronation last year.
The Duke of Sussex was photographed driving into the gates of Clarence House, the monarch's London residence, at 2:45pm local time (9:45am Miami time). In the photo, Harry can be seen sitting in the back of a black SUV. Harry flew from Los Angeles to London overnight and landed around 12:30 p.m., British media reported.
Harry's return has fueled speculation of a possible reconciliation with his family after years of estrangement. However, there are no plans for Harry to meet his brother Prince William during his stay in London, a royal source said.
On Monday night, news broke that Carlos, 75, had recently been diagnosed with an enlarged prostate. A government source told CNN that the type of cancer found was not prostate, but did not elaborate.
Although the worrying update on Charles' health shocked the nation, the palace called Harry before making his announcement. William and the King's siblings – Princess Anne and Princes Edward and Andrew – were also told privately.
Apparently, Meghan and the couple's two children – Prince Archie and Princess Lilibe – did not make the last-minute trip with Harry. The Sussexes moved to the United States after stepping down from royal duties in 2020.
The monarch's youngest son visited the UK several times last year, most recently in September, for a brief visit to attend the Wellchild Awards, a charity he has supported for more than a decade.
The fifth in line to the throne did not see his immediate family before his Invictus Games start in Düsseldorf, Germany. He also moved to London to pursue his legal actions against British publishers.
It was not immediately clear where Harry would stay during his stay in England. Last year, the Sussexes ditched their official residence of Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, an hour's drive from London. Last year, during his visit, he stayed in a hotel in the capital.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcomed the monarch's condition as “early diagnosis” during a radio interview with the BBC on Tuesday.
Harry's relationship with his family has been strained since he and Meghan moved back in 2020, shortly after moving to California. The pair sat down with Oprah Winfrey for an incendiary interview that sparked controversy over alleged racism in the royal family. The relationship was further strained by the release of the couple's six-part Netflix series and Harry's memoirs.
Problems between William and Harry worsened after the release of “The Spare”. In the autobiography, Harry claimed that his older brother physically assaulted him.
Although the royal family is an institution, it is also a family. And many believe Harry's arrival will bring a rapprochement with the other Windsors. For now, he is willing to put other things aside.
The couple last met when King Charles was crowned at Westminster Abbey in May. Prabhu stayed long for the ceremony, but left immediately.
CNN understood at the time that Prince Harry had not received an invitation to join the family on the Buckingham Palace balcony after the historic service. Meghan did not join her husband in London, but instead stayed in California to celebrate Prince Archie's fourth birthday.
CNN royal historian Kate Williams said it was “remarkable” that Harry had flown again. “We haven't seen it since the coronation, it's being rushed for a reason. It's about a family, it's a business and a family. It's a moment of reconciliation,” he explained.
There are signs of improvement in the relationship between father and son, which at one point was so strained that Harry once said Carlos stopped answering his calls. But the tension between the brothers shows no signs of abating.
Prince William will return to public duties this week after taking time off to support his wife. catherineHe is recovering from stomach surgery, Kensington Palace announced on Monday.
But as the direct heir to the British throne, she must help cover official duties and responsibilities, while Charles handles official documents and deals with matters of state during his treatment.
Charles' cancer diagnosis 17 months into his reign has become a moment of unity for the royal family.
The number of working royals has fallen more than expected in recent years, with only two under the age of 50, who would be keen to support the king during his treatment.
Queen Camilla has been leading the household in his absence, carrying out a full schedule of engagements that will continue. Meanwhile, CNN understands that other working family members are continuing their general duties and may take on some additional duties on Carlos' behalf if needed.
