A smiling King Charles has returned to Sandringham after meeting his son Prince Harry for less than an hour in their first face-to-face meeting in nine months.
Charles and Queen Camilla were seen waving to crowds as they left Clarence House in London in an official car at 3.35pm before taking a helicopter to Norfolk.
Harry was seen driving through the gates of Clarence House at 2.45pm after traveling to the UK following an 11-hour flight from California, where his wife Meghan Markle and children Archie and Lilibet stayed behind.
Charles, 75, is said to be in “good condition” today after treatment for an unspecified cancer. The royal helicopter was seen arriving at Sandringham just before 5pm.
It is not known whether Harry will stay in central London or in Windsor, most likely at Frogmore Cottage – which he and his wife had to move out of last June.
Experts said they hoped Harry's trip was the “sign of a truce” with Charles, but there was little sign of a rapprochement with his brother William – a source close to the Prince of Wales said there were “no plans” to meet.
A smiling King Charles and Queen Camilla leave Clarence House this afternoon
Charles – seen with Camilla – is said to be “in good shape” after starting his treatment
Prince Harry arrives at Clarence House this afternoon to meet his father, King Charles
In the picture, a helicopter landed at Buckingham Palace on a cloudy day in central London
The source told The Mirror: “The prince's main focus is his wife, who is recovering from surgery, his three children and now his father.”
“There are no plans for Harry’s visit to be used as a means of reconciliation.”
Meanwhile, Charles is said to be “in good shape” and in regular contact with the Prince of Wales.
“He is in his usual good form in all respects, just a little frustrated that his condition has affected not only his own plans but others as well,” a palace source told the Telegraph.
Harry left LAX for London last night after Charles personally called him to break the devastating news.
Last night, a luxury Range Rover believed to be carrying the royal was seen arriving at LAX's VIP terminal and boarded the earliest flight so he could be in London by lunchtime.
Despite his ongoing dispute with the Home Office, Harry was accompanied by police security.
Richard Eden, editor of the Chron diary, tweeted today: “After his 5,000 mile flight from Los Angeles, #PrinceHarry is said to have had a brief meeting with #KingCharles before His Majesty departed for his Norfolk retreat, Sandringham.” It will be interesting to see how long Harry stays in this country.”
Previously, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said it was vital for the duke to show solidarity with his father.
“I'm sure Harry will now put the past aside for this serious issue,” he said.
“It’s so important that everyone pulls together.”
Kristina Kyriacou, the king's former press secretary, said: “Charles loves Harry.” He wanted nothing of this estrangement.
“If from bad news comes good news and Harry and the King and the Queen and his brother are reunited – how wonderful.”
In “Spare,” Harry revealed that Charles had asked his feuding sons: “Please boys, don't make my final years miserable.”
Harry's journey may be motivated by this plea.
The prince flew from Los Angeles to London Heathrow on a scheduled British Airways flight before being picked up by a black Range Rover.
The prince rushed back to Britain on an 11-hour flight from California as soon as he heard the news
Harry was seen in a large convoy of Range Rovers driving through the gates of the royal residence
This helicopter is supposed to take Charles and Camilla back to Sandringham in Norfolk
A police escort outside Clarence House ahead of the Duke of Sussex's arrival
Flowers are delivered to Clarence House following Charles' cancer diagnosis
It is believed Harry was in this Range Rover when he was swept out of Heathrow under police guard this afternoon
Police escort a Range Rover believed to be carrying Prince Harry from Heathrow at around 1pm as he makes his way to visit his father in London
The prince, who took the 11-hour night flight without his wife Meghan, was taken off the plane by a convoy of cars
Police wait for Harry at the Heathrow VIP terminal, where Harry landed on a BA flight
A car believed to be carrying Prince Harry is pictured arriving at a private terminal at LAX to fly to the UK to be with his father, King Charles, following his cancer diagnosis
Frogmore Cottage (pictured), which was formerly the home of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. He can stay there or in a hotel
ROYAL CANCER DIAGNOSIS: THE ROYAL FAMILY'S RECENT HEALTH FEAR
The King's cancer diagnosis is the latest health news for the royal family.
– Tuesday January 16th
Kate, 42, is secretly admitted to the London clinic and undergoes abdominal surgery.
– Wednesday January 17th
2:00 p.m. – Kensington Palace announces the Princess's operation and says she will remain in private hospital for 10 to 14 days.
She is not expected to return to duty until after Easter and will take up to three months to recover.
The Prince of Wales is temporarily stepping away from his official duties to care for his wife and children.
The exact nature of Kate's condition is being kept secret, but it is not cancer and Kensington Palace says the planned procedure was successful.
3.25pm - Buckingham Palace announces that the 75-year-old royal will undergo treatment for a benign enlarged prostate and will be hospitalized in a few days.
A source later said that the princess was “doing well.”
– Thursday January 18th
The Prince of Wales spends time at his wife's bedside and moves away from the back entrance during the low-key, private visit.
The Queen said during a visit to the Aberdeen Art Gallery that the King was “doing well” and “looking forward to getting back to work.”
– Friday January 19th
The King flies back from Scotland with the Queen and goes to his Sandringham estate in Norfolk to rest before the procedure.
– Sunday January 21st
It is announced that the King's former sister-in-law, Sarah, Duchess of York, is suffering from malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer.
It has been less than a year since the 64-year-old Duchess was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.
– Monday January 22nd
The Queen tells 86-year-old well-wisher Jessie Jackson that the King is “fine” and thanks her for asking as she attends appointments in Swindon.
Meanwhile, Sarah, Duchess of York, describes her shock over skin cancer in a post on Instagram, but says she is in “good spirits” and “grateful for the many messages of love and support.”
– Tuesday, January 23rd
Kate's hospital stay passes the one-week mark.
Camilla tells the king to take it easy. An insider told The Sun: “The Queen has told him he needs to slow down a bit.”
– Thursday January 25th
The King carried out his official duties behind the scenes and met with academics from Cambridge University at Sandringham House.
The King returns to London from Norfolk and is ready for his treatment.
– Friday January 26th
The King is admitted to the London clinic with the Queen at his side for treatment of an enlarged prostate and also visits the Princess of Wales who is recovering in the same hospital.
– Monday January 29th
The king is released from the hospital and waves to well-wishers. Kate leaves the hospital the same day to continue her recovery at home.
– Wednesday January 31st
Camilla says the royal is “moving forward and doing his best” as she opens a Maggie cancer support center at the Royal Free Hospital in London.
– Sunday February 4th
The King and Queen visit Sandringham church as Charles waves to well-wishers.
– Monday February 5th
Kensington Palace confirms the Prince of Wales will return to official duties this week and begin an investiture.
6:00 p.m. – Buckingham Palace announces that the King has a form of cancer – but not prostate cancer – and has begun outpatient treatment.
He will not carry out any publicly accessible tasks, but will take care of state business and official papers behind the scenes.
– Tuesday, February 6th
Prince Harry lands in Britain to see his father.
He is seen arriving at Clarence House
His father, the king, could be absent from public duties until at least March following yesterday's dramatic announcement of his health.
The Chron's Robert Hardman said this morning that the king's “first pronounced absence” could come on Commonwealth Day, which traditionally takes place on the second Monday in March at Westminster Abbey.
Mr. Hardman, the author of “Charles III: New King.” New dish. “The Inside Story,” he told BBC Radio 4's Today program: “I imagine we probably won't see him in Westminster Abbey now.”
“I'm sure there will be an explanation, a message – he will want to get involved in it. “It's moments like that when you notice an absence, but there's not really any change in the day-to-day running of the monarchy.”
Former royal communications minister Julian Payne said the king would “can't wait” to return to public appearances and would be “deeply frustrated” if he had to step down.
This comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said this morning he was “shocked and saddened” to learn of the royal's cancer diagnosis, but was “grateful” the diagnosis was caught early.
Family and friends were amazed at the king's determination to “carry on as usual”. It is believed that his condition was recognized very early and the prognosis is good. A family friend said: “He and his doctors are very, very positive.”
As The Sun reported, Charles has been making frequent Sunday night trips to Windsor Castle in recent months to spend time with Prince William, with father and son growing ever closer.
While he cancels all his public appearances, Charles insists on continuing with his paperwork and he may even hold a small number of in-person private meetings.
The Mail has learned that the royal knew of his diagnosis since early last week and insisted on going to church in Norfolk on Sunday and warmly waving to well-wishers.
Camilla also stoically insisted on opening a new Maggie cancer ward in London on Wednesday, knowing her husband would soon receive treatment.
She carefully told well-wishers at the Royal Free Hospital that he was “coping along and doing his best”. A source said: “Full credit to her. “She was great.”
In a statement last night, Buckingham Palace said: “Another problem was noted during the King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement.” Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a type of cancer.
“His Majesty began a regular treatment plan today, during which he was advised by doctors to postpone public duties.” During this time, His Majesty will continue to conduct state business and official paperwork as usual.
“The King is grateful to his medical team for the rapid intervention made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure.”
“He remains completely positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public service as soon as possible.” His Majesty has decided to announce his diagnosis in order to avoid speculation and in the hope that it will be public can promote understanding for all those affected by cancer around the world.”
Former royal communications minister Julian Payne told Newsnight last night that the royal would be “deeply frustrated” if he had to step down from the job.
He added: “His work schedule is strenuous and he really enjoys being out and about, meeting people and having the opportunity to speak out on issues he cares about by representing the nation.”
“It will be difficult for him.” The reality, of course, is that the state machinery will continue to run, the red boxes will come, the meetings with the prime minister and secret advisers will take place.
“This side of things will continue, but he will be eager to get back to business as soon as possible.”
“The good thing, of course, is that even though he’s 75, he’s a very fit and healthy 75-year-old.”
“So I think he's in the best possible position to navigate this next chapter.” And he won't be able to wait to get back out there as soon as possible.”
Roya Nikkhah, editor-in-chief of the Sunday Times, added: “He will not want to resign.” If he can fulfill his duties, he will not want to resign if it is not necessary.
“It will be about other members of the royal family taking responsibility while he is unable to carry out public duties.” The Queen is 76, she is very energetic, 76, but 76 nonetheless.
“So she is under a lot of pressure not only to fulfill more duties but also to worry about her husband.”
“I think we'll see her doing a lot to fill that void and I'm sure we'll be seeing more of Prince William doing public things.”
“We know the king will be frustrated, but he will know he has family members he can trust with the roles if needed.”
Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are seen leaving Clarence House this morning
Royal biographer Matthew Dennison told BBC News that the country will see “something a little bit like what we saw in the final months of the late Queen's reign.”
He explained: “The Queen retained all the functions associated with her role as Head of State, the Red Boxes, the Prime Minister's meetings and, where possible, the Privy Adviser's meetings – but she did not attend as many public engagements, as is the case with this head of state.” the national side of sovereignty.
“What we will see is something remarkably similar: the king will continue to be head of state, but some of those heads of state will meet and welcome his absence as a figurehead, a focus of kingship, affection and unity.” short term.
“Members of his immediate family, who of course reduced their public appearances after the death of the late Queen, will do the same in this case, I think.”
He added: “The challenge for the royal family is to fit engagements into often very busy schedules that have been planned well in advance.”
“I would imagine we would see a greater number of engagements for the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and potentially the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, who are of course also trusted members of the royal family.”
And Dame Julia Cleverdon told BBC Radio 4: “I am absolutely sure that this reign will continue and the determination of the King, who is a very determined man, knows a lot about cancer. “I always remember that at the Organizing programs the last appointment of the day was always visiting hospitals because he didn't want to take up time – if he wanted to take up longer time it would be his time.
“He’s going to be really, really a) knowledgeable, b) determined and c) absolutely clear that the show will go on.”
Following last night's devastating health update, Princess Anne returned to business as usual, presenting honors at Windsor Castle before traveling to the Midlands for a busy day of royal engagements.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “Another problem was noted during the King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement.” Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.
Princess Beatrice of York, the King's niece, was seen heading to Clarence House this morning.
Royal advisers said they would carefully balance the king's right to privacy at a difficult and sensitive time with his role as head of state. But he hopes that sharing the news will allow for accurate reporting of his condition and prevent speculation about an issue that affects so many other families.
No further details are being revealed about what cancer he was diagnosed with, other than to emphasize that it is not prostate cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer death in men in the UK each year. It is emphasized that it was only found when the king was having treatment for a benign enlarged prostate.
He was admitted for surgery on January 26 and remained at the private London Clinic in central London for three days.
During this intervention, a “separate cause for concern” was identified and subsequently diagnosed as a form of cancer.
Details of his treatment are not disclosed.
A royal adviser said: “No further details will be released at this time, but His Majesty is receiving expert care and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.”