Prince Harry Willing to Return to Royal Duties if Asked Amid King Charles’ Cancer Diagnosis: Report

Published on Feb. 16, 2024, 9:10 p.m. ET

By Erin Keller

Prince Harry would reportedly consider mending the royal rift and returning to his royal duties if King Charles, 75, asked him to amid the monarch’s cancer diagnosis. Harry, 39, and his wife, Meghan Markle, 42, famously stepped down as senior members of the royal family in 2020. He remains a counsellor of state — and fifth in line for the crown — but is not expected to be called upon to stand in for the King now that he’s made California his home.

A royal insider told Page Six on Friday, “I have a hard time believing if his dad asks for his help that Harry would say no, I think he would try.” However, the source noted, “I don’t think it’s something that Harry would ask [to do] on his own.”

Harry broke his silence on Charles’ diagnosis Friday on “Good Morning America.” Bundled up in Canada at training for his Invictus Games, Harry told reporter host Will Reeve that he learned about his estranged dad’s diagnosis by speaking to him. “I jumped on a plane and went to go see him as soon as I could,” he explained, referring to his 24-hour trip to London last week to see his ailing father. “I love my family. The fact that I was able to get on a plane and go and see him and spend any time with him — I’m grateful for that,” he added.

Unprecedented Reconciliation?

Prince Harry’s willingness to return to his royal duties if invited by his father King Charles, who has been diagnosed with cancer, has sparked hopes of a potential reconciliation within the royal family. Although Harry and Meghan Markle have distanced themselves from the monarchy, the possibility of Harry stepping back into his role has not been ruled out completely.

The royal insider’s belief that Harry would not decline the King’s request indicates that there might be a chance to repair the strained relationship between Harry and the rest of the royal family. However, the source cautions that Harry is unlikely to approach this on his own and would require a formal invitation from his father.

Keeping Mum on Charles’ Health

During his interview with Will Reeve on “Good Morning America,” Harry maintained a level of privacy when asked about the state of Charles’ health. He acknowledged that he had spoken to his father and promptly flew to London to be by his side. Harry’s actions signify his love and support for his family, a sentiment he expressed during the interview.

The revelation from Charles’ ex-butler, Grant Harrold, exclusively shared with The Post, suggests that the King may not be pleased with Harry’s decision to discuss his diagnosis publicly. It is unclear whether Harry sought family approval before making this information public.

Harrold speculates that the royal family might not appreciate Harry providing further details on Charles’ health, as the King is known to be highly private. Although the King had already disclosed some information about his diagnosis, Harry’s decision to publicly discuss it may not align with the family’s ideals.

Redefining Family Bonds

Harry’s recent conversations and trip to London to be with his father have shed light on the complexity and intricacy of the relationships within the royal family. The future of the monarchy and the family dynamics remain uncertain. William and other members of the royal family may not be pleased with Harry’s candid interview, as it may inadvertently breach the bond of trust within the family.

Harry’s intentions, on the other hand, seem to come from a place of love and concern for his father. Nonetheless, it is crucial to respect the King’s privacy and ensure that any further discussions or updates about his health are handled with the utmost care.