King Charles and Queen Camilla leave London after reunion with Prince Harry

September 2024 · 11 minute read

The Duke of Sussex arrived in London on Tuesday afternoon

Prince Harry has arrived in London after he raced to LAX airport following King Charles' cancer diagnosis

On Monday, the Duke of Sussex was pictured arriving at the airport's exclusive private suites in a black Range Rover after his father Charles reportedly called his son to tell him he has a form of cancer. Just hours later, Harry rushed to LAX to catch a flight to the UK.

WATCH: King Charles diagnosed with cancer

It appears that Harry has travelled without his wife, Meghan Markle, and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.  understands that Meghan will stay at their family home in Montecito with Archie and Lilibet for their schooling.

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The office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirmed: "The Duke did speak with his father about his diagnosis. He will be travelling to the UK to see His Majesty in the coming days."

It is understood that Charles, 75, personally notified Harry of his diagnosis before announcing it to the world in a statement via Buckingham Palace. Keep checking back for all the latest updates...

King Charles leaves Clarence House

His Majesty has left Clarence House, with Queen Camilla by his side. It is believed that his son Prince Harry left moments earlier following a meeting which took no longer than 45 minutes.

The King was driven to Buckingham Palace from Clarence House, where he is believed to have been flown to Sandringham in Norfolk. The King appeared emotional as he waved from his car. Meanwhile, the Queen was beside him in the back of the car, which drove onto The Mall and turned right in the direction of Buckingham Palace.

Traffic was stopped by police on motorbikes before Charles and Camilla’s car was driven out. A helicopter flew out from behind Buckingham Palace about 10 minutes later.

Prince Harry pictured

The Duke of Sussex was pictured in his black Range Rover just moments before he met his father King Charles.  

He flew from California to London on Monday night to reunite with his father. However, his wife Meghan and their two children Prince Archie, four, and Princess Lilibet, two, have not joined him.

Traffic was stopped on The Mall outside Clarence House just after 3.30pm and two black SUV vehicles were driven out.

Floral tributes arrive at Clarence House

Flowers have been delivered to the back entrance of Clarence House, the King's favoured residence in London. Two separate deliveries of boxes of flowers were brought to the back entrance on Tuesday afternoon.

Princess Anne holds the fort

The Princess Royal held the fort on the royal engagements front, carrying out an investiture on behalf of the King at Windsor Castle on Tuesday.

Anne is expected to undertake some duties on her brother’s behalf in his absence, along with the Prince of Wales. Among those receiving honours from the princess was Sara Cox, the world’s first professional female rugby referee, who was made an MBE for her services to rugby union.

Father-and-son reunion 

It's understood that Prince Harry and King Charles have spoken during a brief meeting at Buckingham Palace. The King and Queen are set to return to Sandringham, Norfolk - presumably for the rest of the week.

READ MORE: Prince Harry's real thoughts on dad King Charles and why a reconciliation is possible 

Prince Harry lands in the UK

Prince Harry has landed in the UK, just hours after the news of King Charles' cancer diagnosis was announced to the world. His plane was pictured at Heathrow Airport on Tuesday afternoon following an overnight flight from LAX.  Prince Harry's car was seen leaving Heathrow and heading towards central London. 

What Prince Harry's visit to the UK means

Prince Harry's decision to fly home appears to be a wise one but may also indicate the seriousness of King Charles' diagnosis

A timeline of King Charles' recent health journey

Wednesday 17th January - Buckingham Palace announces the King, 75, is to have treatment for a benign enlarged prostate and will be admitted to hospital in a few days. 

Thursday 25th January - The King carried out behind-the-scenes official duties at Sandringham House. 

The King arrives back in London from Norfolk ready for his treatment.

Friday 26th January - The King is admitted to the London Clinic for treatment for an enlarged prostate and also visits Princess Kate, who is recovering in the same hospital. 

Monday 29th January - The King is discharged from hospital and waves at well-wishers. 

Wednesday 31st January - Camilla says the King is "getting on, doing his best" as she opened a Maggie's cancer support centre at the Royal Free Hospital in London. 

Sunday 4th February - The King and Queen attend church in Sandringham, with Charles waving at well-wishers. 

Monday 5th February - At 6pm, Buckingham Palace announces the King has a form of cancer - but not prostate cancer - and has started treatment as an outpatient. 

He will not carry out public-facing duties, but will carry on with behind-the-scenes state business and official papers.

's Royal Editor Emily Nash explains: "Prince Harry coming over is a huge moment. The King's diagnosis will have concerned the whole family, but especially his sons and it's only natural that Harry will want to spend time with him after so long apart. 

"It's about a family coming together during a difficult time, just as any other family would." 

Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi pictured leaving Clarence House

King Charles' niece Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi were seen driving into the back entrance of Clarence House in London on Tuesday morning. In pictures obtained by the Daily Mail, the couple appeared to be smiling as they drove away from the residence following an apparent visit. 

 King Charles' transparency reflects his 'style' as a monarch

Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Tuesday, former royal press secretary Simon Lewis said that Charles’ openness about his health reflects his "style" as a monarch.

"I think it's actually been the style of the King’s first year," he said. "This is obviously one element of it. But if you think of the book and the access that was given to Robert Hardman, if you think of the documentary, if you think of his whole style as King, I think this is very much in keeping with that.

"And I do think his advisors, with this statement I’m sure we'll talk about it, have actually got it spot on.

"I think 20 years ago we would have got a very abrupt, short, statement, and that's about it. And I think they've gone as far as they possibly can given that the King has had a diagnosis of cancer and, as a lot of people know, processing that is a pretty tough process."

How Queen Camilla will support Charles during his treatment 

Queen Camilla will no doubt be at her husband's side following his diagnosis.

While it's not known how the queen will actively support King Charles, it is anticipated that Camilla, 76, will assist her husband whilst continuing to carry out public duties.

HELLO!'s royal editor, Emily Nash, explains: "The Queen will be a tower of strength for the King as he goes through cancer treatment. She understands the issue well from her work with Maggie's cancer centres and she will be at his side every step of the way."

Crowds show their support outside Buckingham Palace

Crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace on Tuesday in show of support for the King amid his cancer diagnosis. Tourists and locals said their thoughts were with Charles and they hoped the royal family will "pull together" and "take some of the burden off him".

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Lisa Nash, 61, shared her well wishes, adding that he royal family does "a lot for this country".

She said: "My thoughts are with him and to go through something like cancer but in the public eye is pretty something, so I'm pleased that he's given people snippets of information but I'm quite glad that he's going to keep the rest of it private. I think for his own peace of mind, he needs to be doing that, it's enough of a struggle as it is but I wish him well and I'm sure he'll pull through and things will be fine."

Ms Nash added: "I love the royal family. I think they do a lot for this country and they will continue to do so, they'll just pull together and hopefully take some of the burden off of him and he can concentrate on getting better."

King Charles to remain in charge of state business

Buckingham Palace confirmed that King Charles will continue to "undertake state business and official paperwork as usual", this includes holding Privy Council meetings and weekly audiences with the Prime Minister. 

Former royal butler Grant Harold told Sky News that King Charles won't let his diagnosis stop his from carrying out his duties. 

"He's somebody who will not let anything stop him, so when it comes to health, I am not surprised he said that behind the scenes he is going to carry on," said Grant. "Like his late mother, he is somebody who puts duty ahead of everything, and dare I say it, even above his health."

Prince William to shoulder more responsibility

The Prince of Wales will take on additional responsibilities amid his father's cancer diagnosis. It's believed that William will take on extra duties relating to Charles' public engagements and not to his constitutional role.

Harry's relationship with his father

Harry has had a troubled relationship with his father in recent years, but it's hoped that the recent health diagnosis will carve the way for a reconciliation.

Speaking on HELLO!'s A Right Royal Podcast, royal author Robert Hardman  –  who last month published a new royal book, –  revealed that the King would "definitely" like to reconcile with Harry.

He described Charles as an "optimist" and "not confrontational", therefore willing to make peace with his younger son.

King Charles' cancer diagnosis

News of Charles’s cancer diagnosis emerged on Monday evening via a statement from Buckingham Palace. It read: “His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual. 

“The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. 

“His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.”

Buckingham Palace have not confirmed the type but have said that it is not prostate cancer. 

In a briefing, the Palace said: “His Majesty has been treated for benign prostate enlargement. It was during this intervention that a separate issue of concern was noted and subsequently diagnosed as a form of cancer. This second condition will now receive appropriate treatment. 

“No further details are being shared at this stage, but His Majesty is receiving expert care and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.” 

The briefing note added: “His Majesty is grateful to his medical team for their expert care and swift intervention, is wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.” 

Charles’s cancer diagnosis comes after the monarch was treated for an enlarged prostate at The London Clinic. Queen Camilla was on hand to support the King, travelling to visit Charles during his period of treatment. 

News of the King's benign condition first came to light on 17 January when he was diagnosed after experiencing symptoms while staying at Birkhall in Scotland.

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