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Prince Harry | King Charles III | Source: Getty Images
Prince Harry | King Charles III | Source: Getty Images

Prince Harry Responded to Rumors That He Is Not King Charles’ Real Son – Why People Think He Is Illegitimate

Dorcus Osongo
Jun 27, 2024
03:55 P.M.
  • Princess Diana confessed to an affair during her troubled marriage to King Charles III, leading to speculations.
  • Rumors about Prince Harry's paternity circulated due to this affair, driven by physical similarities.
  • Despite the speculation, statements from those involved aimed to reassure about Harry's parentage.
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Princess Diana and Prince Charles on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on their wedding day, on July 29, 1981. | Source: Getty Images

Princess Diana and Prince Charles on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on their wedding day, on July 29, 1981. | Source: Getty Images

Princess Diana and King Charles III, who went by Prince Charles then, got married on July 28, 1981. The pair had two kids, Prince William, who was born on June 21, 1982, and Prince Harry, born on September 15, 1984.

Diana, Princess of Wales attends a dinner at the British Embassy in Washington, DC, on November 1985. | Source: Getty Images

Diana, Princess of Wales attends a dinner at the British Embassy in Washington, DC, on November 1985. | Source: Getty Images

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Diana and Charles's marriage didn't last as they had irreconcilable differences. They went through a messy separation in December 1992. Their divorce was finalized in August 1996. Still, before Charles and Diana parted ways, she was rumored to have had an affair with James Hewitt.

King Charles III hosts a reception to celebrate British South Asian communities, in Dunfermline, Scotland, on October 3, 2022. | Source: Getty Images

King Charles III hosts a reception to celebrate British South Asian communities, in Dunfermline, Scotland, on October 3, 2022. | Source: Getty Images

The affair between Diana and James, an ex-Life Guards officer, reportedly happened two years after Harry was born. Still, many people have called into question Harry's paternity. These individuals believe James, who was Diana's riding instructor, is his birth father and not Charles.

Major James Hewitt on the polo field, on July 16, 1991. | Source: Getty Images

Major James Hewitt on the polo field, on July 16, 1991. | Source: Getty Images

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People who doubted who the real father of Harry was pointed out the striking similarity in appearance between Harry and James. Both have ginger hair and bear a strong resemblance to each other. These similarities sparked speculation about their biological connection.

Prince Harry in the grounds of Highgrove House in Doughton, Gloucestershire, England, on July 18, 1986. | Source: Getty Images

Prince Harry in the grounds of Highgrove House in Doughton, Gloucestershire, England, on July 18, 1986. | Source: Getty Images

The timelines of the affair between Diana and James also fueled the doubts about Harry's paternity. As much as Harry was born two years before the affair started, conspiracy theorists still call into question his paternity over the years.

James Hewitt at The Royal Berkshire Polo Club near Windsor on July 16, 1991. | Source: Getty Images

James Hewitt at The Royal Berkshire Polo Club near Windsor on July 16, 1991. | Source: Getty Images

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The theories regarding Harry's paternity hold more weight because both Diana and James have openly spoken about and admitted to their affair. British journalist Anna Pasternak worked with James to write and release the book "Princess in Love," where he said he was Diana's lover from 1986 to 1991.

Princess Diana and Prince Harry arrive at Aberdeen Airport in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, on March 14, 1986. | Source: Getty Images

Princess Diana and Prince Harry arrive at Aberdeen Airport in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, on March 14, 1986. | Source: Getty Images

In James's account of their affair, the timeline is somewhat hazy, but he suggested that he and Diana started their relationship in late 1986. They met at a late-summer gathering in Mayfair, where he offered to teach her riding. Diana was 25 at the time, and James was 28.

Major James Hewitt on the polo field, on July 16, 1991. | Source: Getty Images

Major James Hewitt on the polo field, on July 16, 1991. | Source: Getty Images

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At this time, Diana's marriage to Charles was strained. The two hadn't seen each other for 39 consecutive days, and Charles was in the process of rekindling his own affair with Queen Camilla.

Prince Charles and Princess Diana on their last official trip together in Seoul, South Korea on November 3, 1992. | Source: Getty Images

Prince Charles and Princess Diana on their last official trip together in Seoul, South Korea on November 3, 1992. | Source: Getty Images

So, Diana and James spent little time together. The princess sought solace in weekly riding lessons with the ex-Life Guards at Windsor's Combermere Barracks. There, she confided in him about her loneliness and the challenges of her marriage.

Cavalry officer James Hewitt outside his house at Bratton Clovelly, Devon, on October 8, 1996. | Source: Getty Images

Cavalry officer James Hewitt outside his house at Bratton Clovelly, Devon, on October 8, 1996. | Source: Getty Images

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James described responding to Diana's emotional distress as if it were the cry of a wounded animal. When Diana reached out to touch his hand, he alleged to have reassured her, saying, "You are not alone. You have me." James claimed to have had a physical relationship with Diana.

Princess Diana arrives at the Serpentine Gallery, London, on June 1995. | Source: Getty Images

Princess Diana arrives at the Serpentine Gallery, London, on June 1995. | Source: Getty Images

Five years after James asserted the affair started, his ex-girlfriend Emma Stewardson spoke out. She expressed her distress over his relationship with Diana to the press.

During the same period, The Sun published reports of secret meetings between Diana and James. The newspaper claimed they had a "physical relationship."

James Hewitt pictured at his London home on October 18, 1999. | Source: Getty Images

James Hewitt pictured at his London home on October 18, 1999. | Source: Getty Images

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James's groom, Lance Cpl. Malcolm Leete also came forward with his claim. In September 1992, he disclosed witnessing the two in an embrace in the riding school arena at Windsor in the fall of 1988.

Princess Diana, The Princess of Wales, arriving at the Victor Change Cardiac Research Institute dinner dance in Sydney, Australia, in November 1996. | Source: Getty Images

Princess Diana, The Princess of Wales, arriving at the Victor Change Cardiac Research Institute dinner dance in Sydney, Australia, in November 1996. | Source: Getty Images

During a BBC Panorama program in 1995, Diana admitted to having an affair with James and being in love with him.

James confirmed this statement in an interview, "It was never her intention to fall in love with me, and it was certainly not my intention to fall in love with Diana, but it happened because of the circumstances throwing us together."

Princess Diana visiting a charitable organisation in Eastbourne, East Sussex, in 1990. | Source: Getty Images

Princess Diana visiting a charitable organisation in Eastbourne, East Sussex, in 1990. | Source: Getty Images

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James said he was uncertain about the extent to which Diana desired the relationship to become physical. He refrained from assigning blame and emphasized that their relationship "developed and it was mutual."

James Hewitt Attends The Launch Of Itv1'S 'Celebrity Wrestling' At London'S Soho Hotel, on April 13, 2005. | Source: Getty Images

James Hewitt Attends The Launch Of Itv1'S 'Celebrity Wrestling' At London'S Soho Hotel, on April 13, 2005. | Source: Getty Images

Diana and James's affair ended when she stopped taking his phone calls. Still, James was so open about the affair after it ended that he reportedly considered selling 10 out of 64 private letters from Diana.

He valued the letters, which he said were "extremely well written, loving, and nothing to be ashamed of" for approximately $5.4 million.

Princess Diana at a State Reception in Brisbane, Australia on April 11, 1983. | Source: Getty Images

Princess Diana at a State Reception in Brisbane, Australia on April 11, 1983. | Source: Getty Images

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James is now 65-years-old. At 58, he suffered a heart attack and a stroke and was given a slim chance of survival by his doctors. Luckily, he got back on his feet after making a good recovery.

As James left the Royal Devon and Exter Hospital, he said he wanted to get on with his life. He was discharged to the home he shared with his mother, a two-bedroom flat in a former country house near Exeter.

James Hewitt arriving at the ITV's "Hell's Kitchen" on May 31, 2004. | Source: Getty Images

James Hewitt arriving at the ITV's "Hell's Kitchen" on May 31, 2004. | Source: Getty Images

In 2017, James was interviewed and asked point blank whether he was Harry's father, and he denied the claim. "No, I am not," answered James.

He noted that speculations went on for years because it sold papers. James added that the rumors about Diana's son's paternity were probably more heartbreaking to Harry than to him. "Poor champ," said James.

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Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex makes a speech during the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games Düsseldorf at Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf, Germany on September 16, 2023. | Source: Getty Images

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex makes a speech during the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games Düsseldorf at Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf, Germany on September 16, 2023. | Source: Getty Images

Still, some online users believe that Harry is James's son and not Charles's. These users commented recently on social media when Charles was diagnosed with cancer, and Harry made plans to see him.

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend the "Our Planet" global premiere in London, England, on April 4, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend the "Our Planet" global premiere in London, England, on April 4, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

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"Prince Harry has rushed to be with James Hewitt after learning the kings cancer diagnosis?" a person asked sarcastically.

"Harry's father is James Hewitt, his pretend father is King Charles:)," commented another X user, while one more individual agreed, "True. Harry's dad is James Hewitt. But we don't talk about that."

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attends the Virgin London Marathon in London, United Kingdom, on April 28, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attends the Virgin London Marathon in London, United Kingdom, on April 28, 2019. | Source: Getty Images

In his memoir "Spare," Harry wrote about how his dad used to joke about the question of his paternity. Charles would say, "Who knows if I'm even your real father? Maybe your real father is in Broadmoor, darling boy!"

Prince Charles and Prince Harry at Polvier, by the River Dee in Balmoral Castle Estate on August 12 1997. | Source: Getty Images

Prince Charles and Prince Harry at Polvier, by the River Dee in Balmoral Castle Estate on August 12 1997. | Source: Getty Images

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Harry didn't find his father's questions amusing. He wrote, "He'd laugh and laugh, though it was a remarkably unfunny joke, given the rumor circulating just then that my actual father was one of Mummy's former lovers: Major James Hewitt."

James Hewitt presents his book "Love and War" during an interview with Daphne Barak in New York City, on October 25, 1999. | Source: Getty Images

James Hewitt presents his book "Love and War" during an interview with Daphne Barak in New York City, on October 25, 1999. | Source: Getty Images

Harry pointed out that people hang to this idea because, just like James, he had ginger hair, and they had other physical similarities. He added that the issue made news repeatedly because tabloid readers were excited by the idea that Charles's youngest son wasn't his.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attends The Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service in London, England, on May 8, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attends The Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service in London, England, on May 8, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

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As per Harry, even though the tabloids knew that his mother didn't meet James until after he was born, they didn't stop, as the story was just too good to drop.

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Prince Harry attend the New Zealand Memorial Service in Eceabat, Turkey, on April 25, 2015. | Source: Getty Images

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Prince Harry attend the New Zealand Memorial Service in Eceabat, Turkey, on April 25, 2015. | Source: Getty Images

Harry also admitted that his dad gave him a heart-to-heart talk reassuring him that James wasn't his father. "If Pa had any thoughts about Major Hewitt, he kept them to himself," added Harry.

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales presents Prince Harry with his flying badges in Middle Wallup, England on May 7, 2010. | Source: Getty Images

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales presents Prince Harry with his flying badges in Middle Wallup, England on May 7, 2010. | Source: Getty Images

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Now, James, Harry, and Charles have made it clear that the former Life Guards isn't his father. Still, Harry and his father have had a strained relationship for years, even though he once admitted that he wanted his father back.

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Prince Harry visit V Beach Cemetery in Seddulbahir, Turkey, on April 24, 2015. | Source: Getty Images

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Prince Harry visit V Beach Cemetery in Seddulbahir, Turkey, on April 24, 2015. | Source: Getty Images

The bond between Harry and the King has always been complicated, characterized by distance, tension, and misunderstanding.

However, the recent revelation of the King's cancer diagnosis, which he shared with his sons before making it public, may have initiated a new phase of reconciliation and healing for the father-son duo.

Prince Charles and Prince Harry in Kensington Palace on October 04, 1985 | Source: Getty Images

Prince Charles and Prince Harry in Kensington Palace on October 04, 1985 | Source: Getty Images

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Prince Harry's early life was marked by a sense of being sidelined within the royal family. In his book, aptly titled "Spare," Harry recounts a comment his father allegedly made on the day of his birth.

Diana Princess of Wales and Charles Prince of Wales hold Prince Harry and Prince William on May 5, 1985 in Venice, Italy | Source: Getty Images

Diana Princess of Wales and Charles Prince of Wales hold Prince Harry and Prince William on May 5, 1985 in Venice, Italy | Source: Getty Images

Charles reportedly told Diana, "Wonderful! Now you've given me an Heir and a Spare — my work is done." Growing up, Harry felt a disconnect with his father, who was much older and less playful than Diana.

He writes, "I'd resolved not to become my father. He'd been an older dad, and I'd always felt that this created problems, placed barriers between us."

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Diana, Princess of Wales at the Kensington Palace with their sons Prince William and Prince Harry on December 1, 1986 | Source: Getty Images

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Diana, Princess of Wales at the Kensington Palace with their sons Prince William and Prince Harry on December 1, 1986 | Source: Getty Images

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The death of Diana in a car crash left a young Harry and his older brother William in grief. Harry writes about his father's reaction, "He wasn't great at showing emotions under normal circumstances; how could he be expected to show them in such a crisis?"

Charles Prince of Wales, Prince William, and Prince Harry during Diana, Princess of Wales' funeral on September 6, 1997 at Westminster Abbey, London | Source: Getty Images

Charles Prince of Wales, Prince William, and Prince Harry during Diana, Princess of Wales' funeral on September 6, 1997 at Westminster Abbey, London | Source: Getty Images

Harry, William, and Charles found a common interest in sports, particularly polo. In a 2006 interview with Ant and Dec, Charles shared that he used to play polo with both his sons and that they are all very competitive.

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Prince Harry, Earl Spencer, Prince William, and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh during Diana, Princess of Wales' funeral on September 6, 1997 at Westminster Abbey, London | Source: Getty Images

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Prince Harry, Earl Spencer, Prince William, and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh during Diana, Princess of Wales' funeral on September 6, 1997 at Westminster Abbey, London | Source: Getty Images

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Charles also demonstrated his affection for Harry by assisting him in selecting the orchestra for his wedding to Meghan Markle in 2018.

However, the father-son relationship faced a significant test when Harry and Meghan made the decision in 2020 to step back from their senior royal roles and move to North America with their child.

The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince William, Earl Spencer, Prince Harry and Prince Charles walk outside Westminster Abbey during the funeral service for Diana, Princess of Wales on September 6, 1997 | Source: Getty Images

The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince William, Earl Spencer, Prince Harry and Prince Charles walk outside Westminster Abbey during the funeral service for Diana, Princess of Wales on September 6, 1997 | Source: Getty Images

The couple expressed their intentions in a statement, explaining that after much reflection and discussion, they decided to carve out a new role within the institution of the Royal Family. Their goal was to attain financial independence while still fully supporting the Queen.

Prince Harry with his bride Meghan Markle during their wedding on May 19, 2018 in Windsor, England | Source: Getty Images

Prince Harry with his bride Meghan Markle during their wedding on May 19, 2018 in Windsor, England | Source: Getty Images

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The couple outlined their plan to divide their time between the United Kingdom and North America. They believed this arrangement would allow them to fulfill their obligations to the Queen, the Commonwealth, and their patronages.

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales with his sons Prince William and Prince Harry on January 6, 1995 | Source: Getty Images

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales with his sons Prince William and Prince Harry on January 6, 1995 | Source: Getty Images

They also felt this would provide their son with an understanding of the royal tradition he was born into. It would also give their family the space to focus on their next chapter, including the establishment of a new charitable entity.

Prince Charles and Prince Harry attending a Christmas church service on December 25, 1999 | Source: Getty Images

Prince Charles and Prince Harry attending a Christmas church service on December 25, 1999 | Source: Getty Images

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In a subsequent interview, Harry disclosed that they had initially proposed a plan to the Queen, Charles, and William. However, upon discussion, he was presented with five options, ranging from fully committing to royal duties to completely stepping away.

Prince Harry, Prince Charles, and Prince William during a photocall on the Royal Family's ski break on March 31, 2005 in Switzerland | Source: Getty Images

Prince Harry, Prince Charles, and Prince William during a photocall on the Royal Family's ski break on March 31, 2005 in Switzerland | Source: Getty Images

He opted for a middle ground, a half-in, half-out approach, which would allow them to have their own careers while still supporting the queen.

Harry expressed, "It became very clear very quickly that goal was not up for discussion or debate. It was terrifying to have my brother scream and shout at me, and my father say things that just simply weren't true, and my grandmother quietly sit there and sort of take it all in."

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Prince Charles and Prince Harry during a polo match on July 12, 2003 in Tidworth, England | Source: Getty Images

Prince Charles and Prince Harry during a polo match on July 12, 2003 in Tidworth, England | Source: Getty Images

In their interview with Oprah Winfrey after stepping down from royal duties, Harry and Meghan discussed a variety of topics, including their media portrayal. They accused the royal family of ignoring their mental health, propagating untruths, and financially ostracizing them.

Prince Harry loads his kit bags in the company of his father Prince Charles on March 1, 2008 in Brize Norton, England | Source: Getty Images

Prince Harry loads his kit bags in the company of his father Prince Charles on March 1, 2008 in Brize Norton, England | Source: Getty Images

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They cited the absence of support and protection from the royal institution and the adverse and racially prejudiced press coverage as the primary reasons for their departure. Harry also mentioned that his father had stopped communicating with him, leaving him feeling "let down."

Prince Charles presents his son Prince Harry with his flying wings at Prince Harry's pilot course graduation at the Army Aviation Centre on May 7, 2010 in Andover, England | Source: Getty Images

Prince Charles presents his son Prince Harry with his flying wings at Prince Harry's pilot course graduation at the Army Aviation Centre on May 7, 2010 in Andover, England | Source: Getty Images

He suggested that his father and brother were "trapped" within the system. During her pregnancy with their son Archie, Meghan shared with Winfrey that there were ongoing discussions about the child's future security and title.

Prince Harry and his father, Prince Charles at the Army Aviation Centre on March 21, 2011 in Middle Wallop, England | Source: Getty Images

Prince Harry and his father, Prince Charles at the Army Aviation Centre on March 21, 2011 in Middle Wallop, England | Source: Getty Images

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She also mentioned that there were concerns about the possible skin tone of their unborn child. Taken aback, Winfrey inquired about the nature of these conversations. Meghan confirmed that there were multiple discussions about the potential skin color of their baby and the implications it might have.

Prince William, Prince Charles and Prince Harry attend the Invictus Games on September 11, 2014 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Prince William, Prince Charles and Prince Harry attend the Invictus Games on September 11, 2014 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Harry expressed his willingness to mend the rift with his family, stating, "The ball is in their court. There's a lot to be discussed, and I really hope that they are willing to sit down and talk about it." He affirmed his belief in the monarchy but was uncertain about his future role in it, saying, "I don't know."

Prince Charles and Prince Harry laugh during the Invictus Games opening ceremony on September 10, 2014 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Prince Charles and Prince Harry laugh during the Invictus Games opening ceremony on September 10, 2014 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

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He also expressed a longing to reconnect, saying, "I would like to get my father back. I would like to have my brother back." After the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles ascended to the throne as King Charles III.

In his inaugural address to the United Kingdom in September 2022, he honored his late mother and pledged his commitment to the people of the U.K.

King Charles III with his son Prince Harry arrive at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle on September 19, 2022, ahead of the Committal Service for Queen Elizabeth II | Source: Getty Images

King Charles III with his son Prince Harry arrive at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle on September 19, 2022, ahead of the Committal Service for Queen Elizabeth II | Source: Getty Images

Upon confirming the new roles and titles for William and his wife Catherine, he took a moment to acknowledge his son, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and his daughter-in-law, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. He expressed his love for Harry and Meghan and spoke of their efforts to establish their lives overseas.

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In November 2023, royal expert Omid Scobie said, "There is more warmth between Harry and Meghan and Charles than other family members." According to his book, "Endgame," this warmth has grown since they moved away from the country. Scobie noted that it took time to reach this point.

King Charles with his sons Prince Harry and Prince William during the Invictus Games Opening Ceremony on September 10, 2014 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

King Charles with his sons Prince Harry and Prince William during the Invictus Games Opening Ceremony on September 10, 2014 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Scobie mentioned that Harry often took the initiative to reach out. Sources close to Harry indicated that while he understands his father may never want to discuss certain past experiences, he doesn't want to sever ties with his father completely.

Prince Harry arrives for his father's coronation at Westminster Abbey in central London on May 6, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

Prince Harry arrives for his father's coronation at Westminster Abbey in central London on May 6, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

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Scobie also revealed that Meghan frequently shares photos of their children with Charles. On February 5, 2024, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles had been diagnosed with a form of cancer discovered during his recent treatment for an enlarged prostate.

King Charles, Prince William, Catherine, Meghan, and Prince Harry attend Christmas Day Church service on December 25, 2018 in King's Lynn, England | Source: Getty Images

King Charles, Prince William, Catherine, Meghan, and Prince Harry attend Christmas Day Church service on December 25, 2018 in King's Lynn, England | Source: Getty Images

The king initiated a regular treatment schedule and postponed his public duties to focus on his recovery. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed relief that the illness was detected early.

The palace stated that the king had personally informed his sons about his diagnosis before the public announcement. Prince Harry, who hadn't seen his father since his coronation in 2023, returned to the UK from California to be with him.

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Prince Harry and King Charles attend the "International Year of The Reef" meeting on February 14, 2018 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Prince Harry and King Charles attend the "International Year of The Reef" meeting on February 14, 2018 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Harry was photographed entering the gates of Clarence House, the King's London residence. After an 11-hour flight from Los Angeles to London, Harry was seen in the back of a black SUV.

The reunion was brief, lasting around 45 minutes, after which King Charles and Queen Camilla left London for his country estate in Sandringham by helicopter.

Prince William, Prince Harry, and King Charles attend the "Our Planet" premiere on April 04, 2019 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Prince William, Prince Harry, and King Charles attend the "Our Planet" premiere on April 04, 2019 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Harry appeared to be returning to the United States the following day. A source close to the royal household told People, "That is good," expressing hope that Harry would bring the grandchildren to visit at some point, as it would be a joy for all of them.

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