In a candid interview with ABC News, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, opened up about his recent visit to the United Kingdom to be by his father’s side as King Charles III battles a form of cancer. The royal’s heartfelt words shed light on the deep love and gratitude he holds for his family, despite the well-documented tensions and estrangement.
A Transatlantic Journey for Family
Prince Harry, who now calls Southern California home with his wife, Meghan Markle, expressed his gratitude for being able to travel to the UK upon learning of his father’s cancer diagnosis. “I jumped on a plane and went to go see him as soon as I could,” he told Good Morning America. “I love my family. The fact that I was able to get on a plane and go see and spend any time with him, I’m grateful for that.”
The Duke’s visit came shortly after Buckingham Palace’s surprising announcement on February 5th that the King had been diagnosed with a form of cancer during a routine medical examination.
A Brief Reunion at Clarence House
Within 24 hours of the palace’s statement, Prince Harry was spotted at London’s Heathrow Airport after a red-eye flight from Los Angeles. He was then escorted to Clarence House, the King’s official residence in central London, where he spent a reported 45 minutes with his ailing father.
While Prince Harry refrained from divulging details of his father’s condition during the interview, his actions spoke volumes about the depth of his familial bond and his commitment to being present for his loved ones in times of need.
Mending Fences and Future Visits
Despite the well-documented tensions between Prince Harry and the Royal Family, stemming from his decision to step back from his royal duties and move to the United States, the Duke expressed his intention to make further visits to the UK to spend time with his family.
“I’ve got other trips planned that will take me through the U.K., or back to the U.K., and so I’ll stop in and see my family as much as I can,” he told ABC News’ Michael Reeves.
This commitment to maintaining family ties comes amidst ongoing controversies, including the recent request for Prince Harry and Meghan to return the keys to their former residence, Frogmore Cottage, following the release of the Duke’s memoir “Spare.”
Strength in Family Bonds
During the interview, Prince Harry also reflected on the profound strength he has witnessed in family bonds throughout his work with the Invictus Games, the Paralympic-style competition for wounded service members that he founded a decade ago. “Throughout all these families, I see it on a day-to-day basis,” he said. “You know, again, the strength of the family unit coming together.”
Prince Harry’s heartfelt words and actions in the face of his father’s illness serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of family love, even in the midst of challenges and adversity.
As he navigates his own unique path, the Duke’s unwavering commitment to being present for his loved ones resonates, transcending the boundaries of royal protocol and societal expectations.