Prince Harry Jets Back to US After Quick Visit With King Charles Amid His Cancer Battle

Harry made a quick trip to the UK following the news of King Charles' cancer diagnosis.

Prince Harry is returning home to the United States following his visit with his father, King Charles III.

On Tuesday, the Duke of Sussex arrived in the United Kingdom, just one day after it was shared that his father has been diagnosed with cancer. According to a source, the 39-year-old royal was in and out after seeing his father, who received treatment for his cancer on Monday, and delayed his trip to Sandringham to see his son.

"They spent around 30 minutes together as Charles was still a bit tired from the treatment a day prior," the source tells ET. "Prince Harry has now left the U.K. after spending only about 24 hours in London."

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Harry's trip to the U.K. marked the first time he's returned since May 2023. Harry's wife, Meghan Markle, and their two children, Prince Arichie, 4, and Princess Lilibet, 2, stayed home in California. The duke did not meet with his brother, Prince William, during his visit. 

The source also told ET that the king is now recuperating and residing at his country residence. While he is set to return to London weekly, William will take on more duties, and still focus on his wife Kate Middleton's health recovery following her abdominal surgery.

"Charles will now recuperate primarily at his country residence and come back to London weekly for his treatment, and business meetings," the source said. "Prince William will step in as necessary for his father as heir to the throne but his focus remains on his wife's recovery and his family."

Amid his cancer diagnosis, royal expert Katie Nicholl told ET that the king "desperately" wants to reconcile with Harry.

"The king would have been hugely relieved and comforted by the fact that Harry flew over," Nicholl shared, explaining that the meeting likely was "emotional and probably quite difficult for both of them."

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Harry and Charles' meeting was not a lengthy one, "But however brief that meeting may have been, I think it's absolutely fundamental and important and healing the rift between father and son," Nicholl said.

"I think when someone has a serious health scare like this, it does make you reassess things," Nicholl said, "and I think that's why Harry got on the first flight he could."

When it comes to Harry and William's estranged relationship, Nicholl doesn't think their father's illness will bring them together. 

"I think that's less certain," she said. 

For more on Charles' ongoing health battle, click below.

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