Prince Harry Once Said He Wants His Father Back — Inside Their Relationship as Charles Diagnosis Is Revealed

    • For years, Prince Harry and his father, King Charles, have had a strained relationship.
    • Charles’ cancer diagnosis has brought Prince Harry back to his father’s side, but can they heal their rift?
    • Find out the details of their relationship and what Harry really wants from his father.
    Diana, Princess of Wales holds Prince Harry as she and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales leave the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington on September 17, 1984 | Source: Getty Images

    Diana, Princess of Wales holds Prince Harry as she and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales leave the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington on September 17, 1984 | Source: Getty Images

    The bond between Prince Harry and King Charles 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

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

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

    Born as the second son of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, Prince Harry’s early life was marked by a sense of being sidelined within the royal family. In his book, 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

    Diana Princess of Wales, Charles Prince of Wales and Prince Harry on July 14, 1986 in Highgrove, United Kingdom | Source: Getty Images

    Diana Princess of Wales, Charles Prince of Wales and Prince Harry on July 14, 1986 in Highgrove, United Kingdom | 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 wrote, “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 01, 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 01, 1986 | Source: Getty Images

    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 06, 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 06, 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 06, 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 06, 1997 at Westminster Abbey, London | Source: Getty Images

    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 06 September 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 06 September 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

    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 06, 1995 | Source: Getty Images

    Prince Charles, Prince of Wales with his sons Prince William and Prince Harry on January 06, 1995 | Source: Getty Images

    They also felt this would provide their son with an understanding of the royal tradition he was born into while giving 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

    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.”

    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

    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, which left 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. She also mentioned that there were concerns about the possible skin tone of their unborn child.

    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

    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

    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 affection for Harry and Meghan, acknowledging their efforts to establish their lives overseas.

    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. Scobie also revealed that Meghan frequently shares photos of their children with Charles.

    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

    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. The King initiated a regular treatment schedule and postponed his public duties to focus on his recovery.

    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

    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.

    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

    King Charles III during his coronation ceremony on May 06, 2023 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

    King Charles III during his coronation ceremony on May 06, 2023 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

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

    King Charles and Prince Harry 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.