A spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex explains why Prince Harry won't see his dad amid his cancer treatment and return to duties.
Prince Harry will not be seeing his father, King Charles III, during his trip to the U.K. to celebrate 10 years of the Invictus Games.
A spokesperson for the duke tells ET, "In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not the duke will meet with his father while in the U.K. this week, it, unfortunately, will not be possible due to His Majesty's full program. The duke, of course, is understanding of his father's diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon."
The 39-year-old royal briefly returned to the U.K. for a 24-hour trip back home in February, following the news of his father's cancer diagnosis.
The palace first announced that Charles had been diagnosed with cancer in February after the king had gone in for a procedure related to an enlarged prostate.
"During The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer," the palace shared in a statement at the time. "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."
In an interview with Good Morning America shortly after the news reveal, the Duke of Sussex reflected on the potential impact his father's illness has on their family dynamics.
"I love my family," the father of two stated during an interview with Will Reeve. "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."
When asked about the possibility of King Charles' cancer bringing the family closer together, Harry responded affirmatively, saying, "Absolutely. Yeah, I’m sure." He highlighted the strength of the family unit during challenging times, stating that illness often serves to unite relatives.
One month after Charles' news, his daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton, released a video message sharing that she too had been diagnosed with cancer and was seeking treatment. The mother of three has not had any public events since December.
Her husband, Prince William, has returned to public engagements after a brief period away.
Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, privately reached out to his brother and sister-in-law, as well as sharing a joint statement in support of Kate. In a statement to ET, the couple said, "We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace."
Charlies returned to his official royal duties amid his ongoing health battle last month. On April 26, Buckingham Palace announced that the 75-year-old British monarch plans to "return to public-facing duties after a period of treatment and recuperation following his recent cancer diagnosis."
The palace added that Charles will make "a number" of public events in the next few weeks, including hosting the Emperor and Empress of Japan for a state visit in June.
"As the first anniversary of the Coronation approaches, Their Majesties remain deeply grateful for the many kindnesses and good wishes they have received from around the world throughout the joys and challenges of the past year," the palace shared in a statement.
Harry is currently in the U.K. to attend celebrations for the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, which had its inaugural competition for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans 10 years ago in London.
After his visit to London, Harry is also set to visit Nigeria with Meghan after being invited by Nigeria's chief of defence staff, who met Prince Harry during the Invictus Games held last year in Germany.
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