Prince Harry is ‘willing’ to take on a temporary royal role while King Charles battles cancer, it has been claimed, amid suggestions his relationship with the royal family is thawing following news of his father’s illness .
The Duke of Sussex, 39, reportedly told friends he would return to Britain while his father is unwell to help him with his duties.
Harry and his father are said to have had several “warm exchanges” since the King’s illness was diagnosed, it was claimed last night.
However, royal expert Hugo Vickers immediately debunked the rumours, which came after Harry used a US television interview to suggest his father’s illness could have a “reunifying effect” on the family.
Vickers told MailOnline that “neither party” wants Harry and Meghan to return to the UK, despite Duke’s recent interview with US television.
He said: “Personally, I don’t think there is any desire on anyone’s part for him to return home at this time and take up his royal duties again.”
“He cannot suddenly resume his royal duties, under the current circumstances, it is quite far away.” It is always possible to reconcile. It is always possible to solve things, but not so quickly. So no, that’s the answer.’
King Charles III leaves the London Clinic with Queen Camilla at his side on January 29
King Charles and Queen Camilla attend the Sunday service at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Sandringham estate on February 11.
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle are in Canada hosting a series of events for the Invictus Games
The royal expert continued: ‘His father has never responded to any of the taunts that have come his way (and) has left the door wide open for (Harry).
‘He came to see him the other day and I hope that will be a tonic for the King. I don’t know if it was like that, but I hope so because he obviously loves his son.’
Harry, who stepped down as a royal along with his wife, the Duchess of Sussex, in 2020, is a state councilor but is not expected to take on any of the king’s duties while he recovers.
A royal source previously said The times that Carlos, 75, wants to reconcile and see more of his son, and believes doing so would benefit the monarchy.
The source told the newspaper: “On all practical levels it makes perfect sense for the family to come together to support the King while he is ill.”
“Much has been said on both sides in recent years, but that has never diminished the fundamental blood bond, and there are now pragmatic aspects to consider, with the welfare of the King and Kate being paramount in this.
“Details of the Clarence House meeting and subsequent conversations are private, but the feeling is that this deal could work.”
Charles and his aides would reportedly have to draw up a written plan before Harry could take on any official duties again.
Last night Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the reports.
It comes after Harry suggested the King’s illness could lead to a reconciliation with his father in an interview with an American morning show.
Harry also said “I love my family” and that he was “grateful” to be able to spend time with his dad when he flew back to the UK last week.
The duke’s whirlwind visit to see Charles for about 45 minutes sparked speculation that the brothers, separated since the duke stepped down as a working royal, could be on the verge of rebuilding their relationship.
In the interview, broadcast on Good Morning America, it was suggested that a family illness could have a “reunification effect.”
Meghan and Prince Harry were followed by a film crew led by Will Reeve, the son of late Superman star Christopher Reeve.
During a tour of the winter sports city of Whistler, which will host the 2025 Invictus Games along with Vancouver, Prince Harry was interviewed by Will Reeve.
Meghan Markle, Prince Harry and Will Reeve are seen today in a trailer for the GMA interview
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with ABC host Will Reeve in Whistler on Wednesday
Prince Harry is seen alongside American TV presenter Will Reeve in Whistler on Wednesday.
Although Meghan did not participate in the sleigh yesterday, she was able to enjoy watching
Harry was asked ‘is that possible in this case?’ to which he replied that he was sure.
The duke and his wife Meghan are in Canada hosting a series of events with Invictus competitors to mark one year before Harry’s Invictus Games, for wounded and ill veterans and military personnel, are held in the country.
They are followed by a film crew led by Will Reeve, the son of late Superman star Christopher Reeve, who interviewed Harry in the winter sports city of Whistler, which will host the 2025 Invictus Games alongside Vancouver.
Gesturing to the Invictus competitors, Harry added: ‘In all of these families I see, on a day-to-day basis, the strength of the family unit coming together.
“I think any illness brings families together.”
Buckingham Palace has not given details about Charles’ cancer and Harry refused to divulge any information when asked about his “perspective” on the King’s health, replying “that’s between him and me.”
But he said he would visit his father in the future: “I have other trips planned that would take me through the UK or back to the UK, so I will stop by and see my family as much as I can.” ‘
There was no meeting between the duke and his brother, the Prince of Wales, last Tuesday after Harry spent time with Charles at Clarence House.
The breakdown of the bond between the royal brothers dates back to the early period of Harry’s relationship with his wife Meghan, when his then-fiancée had a falling out with the Princess of Wales in the run-up to their wedding.
Since leaving their position as royals in 2020 and moving to California, the Sussexes have voiced accusations and complaints against the monarchy and members of the royal family that have also soured relations.
Speaking to Reeve, Harry said: ‘Look, I love my family.
“I’m grateful for the fact that I was able to get on a plane and go see him and spend time with him.”
For the Prince to return to royal life, the King and his aides would have to draw up a written plan before Harry could return to any official duties and he would not receive public funds.
Harry said he “love my family” and was “grateful” to be able to spend time with his father when he flew back to the UK last week in the Olive Branch interview with US television.
The duke was asked about his life in America, which he described as “incredible”, and whether he had contemplated becoming an American citizen, and the royal said he had “considered it”.
Harry added: “US citizenship is a thought that has crossed my mind, but it’s certainly not something that is a high priority for me right now.”
When asked how she “processed” what was going on with her family in the UK, the royal responded: “I have my own family, like all of us.” My family and my life in California are what they are.’
Meghan and Harry are raising their two children, Prince Archie, four, and Princess Lilibet, two, in the celebrity enclave of Montecito, California.
The duke said: ‘The children are doing very well, they are growing up like all children, very, very quickly. They both have an incredible sense of humor: they make us laugh and keep us grounded every day, like most kids do.
“I’m very grateful to be a father.”
During the interview, footage was shown of Harry trying out skeleton bobsleigh, one of the winter sports that will debut at the Invictus Games next year.
Harry said that hosting the biennial Games, or events missing a year, was his ‘…annual fix, being in this community and laughing, having fun, no matter what nation you’re from, the jokes are the same.’
“I get a lot of energy just being around these guys.”