In an exclusive interview with ABC's Good Morning America show, Prince Harry opened up about his father King Charles's recent cancer diagnosis, suggesting that the illness could serve as a catalyst for reuniting the British royal family. The prince revealed that upon hearing the news directly from his father, he immediately boarded a plane to London to be by his side.
"I love my family," Harry expressed, conveying his gratitude for the opportunity to spend some time with his father amidst the challenging circumstances. The prince, currently in Canada with his wife Meghan, is actively involved in organizing the Invictus Games for injured military veterans, a cause close to his heart.
When asked about the potential for his family to come together in light of King Charles's illness, Harry responded optimistically, stating, "Yeah, I'm sure." He highlighted the strength of family unity, citing examples from the military veterans he interacts with regularly.
Although Harry refrained from divulging specifics about his father's health, he emphasized the privacy of their discussions. Since stepping back from his royal duties in 2020 and relocating to California withMeghan and their children, Harry expressed his intention to visit his family in the UK whenever possible.
"I have got other trips planned that would take me through the UK, or back to the UK so I will stop and see my family as much as I can," Harry affirmed.
Despite contemplating American citizenship, he clarified that it wasn't a priority for him at the moment.
The news of King Charles's diagnosis comes just over a year into his reign, succeeding the passing ofQueen Elizabeth II in September 2022. As the royal family navigates this challenging period, Prince Harry's remarks offer a glimpse into the potential for healing and reconciliation within the monarchy.
It seems that Prince Harry has been open about his feelings regarding his relationship with his father, King Charles, particularly during his childhood. In his memoir "Spare," Harry reflected on the perceived barriers between him and his father, which he attributed partly to Charles' age and his inclination towards routines rather than active engagement with his children.
Harry's recollection suggests a sense of disappointment or disconnect with the way his father interacted with him and his brother, Prince William, during their formative years. He noted that while Charles did engage in physical activities with them when they were younger, as he grew older, he became less inclined to participate in such activities, which may have contributed to a sense of emotional distance between them.
It appears that despite these feelings, Harry has attempted to maintain some level of connection with his family, as evidenced by his attendance at royal events, including King Charles' coronation, despite his public airing of grievances. However, the memoir indicates that there may still be unresolved issues in Harry's relationship with his father, which he has chosen to address openly.