08 March 2024 , 12:35
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Prince Harry has reportedly taken "baby steps" in mending his fractured relationship with his father King Charles amid his cancer treatment.
The pair have had a strained relationship since Harry and wife Meghan Markle quit as working royals four years ago and gave a series of interviews railing against the Royal Family. In his memoir Spare, Harry was particularly scathing about his father and also his stepmother Queen Camilla. But despite the tension, when Charles was diagnosed with a form of cancer last month, Harry jumped on a plane from his home in California to fly to London in order to see his dad and the pair had a short 30-minute meeting.
Harry on a trip to Canada last month (Getty Images)
King Charles is having treatment for cancer (Getty Images)And according to a palace insider, there could be hope on the horizon for father and son after "baby steps" were taken towards reconciliation. The source told PEOPLE: "I'm sure it was emotionally draining for both of them, but it was a step in the right direction. It was a positive move."
Harry's trip only saw him stay in the UK for just over 24 hours before he flew back to the United States. But speaking a week later in an interview with Good Morning America, he revealed he was 'grateful' to be able to meet with his father.
Speaking about his father, Harry said he was told the news about his father's cancer diagnosis by the King himself and jumped on a plane straight away to see him. He said he felt lucky to have been able to visit his dad following the diagnosis. and added: "Look I love my family. The fact that I was able to get on a plane and go and see him and spend any time with him I'm grateful for that."
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Harry refused to talk about his dad's condition, saying "that stays between us". However, when asked if the diagnosis could have a "reunifying effect" amid their feud, Harry added: "Yeah, I'm sure. Throughout all these families I see it on a day-to-day basis the strength of the family unit coming together. I think any illness, any sickness brings families together."
And it seems more reunions could be on the cards for the near future as Harry teased a further family reunion, revealing he is due back in the UK soon. He said: "I've got other trips planned that will take me through the UK, or back to the UK, so I'll stop in and see my family as much as I can." However, it will remain to be seen if these trips back to the UK prompt any meetings between him and his older brother Prince William. There was no meeting between the two during Harry's latest trip - with some believing their relationship is still at rock bottom.
The King has postponed all public-facing engagements while he continues his treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, but he has been carrying out audiences and desk duties behind Palace walls.