Royal tensions rise as Harry learns of father’s health from the media
Prince Harry reportedly learned of King Charles III’s recent hospitalization through the media rather than directly from Buckingham Palace. The revelation has further underscored the ongoing estrangement between the Duke of Sussex and his royal family.
King Charles’ hospitalization kept under wraps
The monarch was admitted to the hospital for a brief stay due to temporary side effects from his ongoing cancer treatment. Buckingham Palace described the visit as a routine part of his “treatment program” and emphasized that there was “no drama” surrounding the matter.
Several reports suggest that the palace deliberately chose not to inform Prince Harry immediately, possibly to prevent unnecessary concern while he remained 5,000 miles away in California.
Prince Harry’s growing isolation
Since stepping away from royal duties in 2020, Harry has struggled with increasing isolation in Montecito. According to insiders, his social circle has become limited, and he rarely leaves his mansion.
“First he was a spare to William; now he’s increasingly looking like a spare to Meghan — and it’s not a great look,” a source told The Sun.
“He misses his family terribly, but no one is speaking to him anymore. He just wants to go for a beer with the guys, but his only friends are just the husbands of Meghan’s friends.”
King Charles appears in good spirits
Despite his recent hospital stay, King Charles was seen smiling and waving as he left Clarence House in London on Friday. He later traveled to his Highgrove estate in Gloucestershire, appearing to be in good health.
Harry’s strained ties with the royal family
The Duke of Sussex last met his father in person in February 2024 during a brief visit to the UK following Charles’ cancer diagnosis. That meeting lasted only 30 minutes before the king departed for Sandringham.
Harry’s relationship with his brother, Prince William, has also deteriorated. Reports indicate that their interaction was minimal when Harry attended the funeral of their uncle, Robert Fellowes, last year.
Questions over Harry’s future in California
Prince Harry has made it clear that he will not return to the UK unless he secures 24-hour armed security. Some close to him, however, believe life in California may not align with his true identity.
“He used to love a night out in the pub and hanging out in the country with friends. Maybe he has grown into a different person, but do I think he’d really suit the Californian lifestyle? No,” a source told The Times.
“Now we’ve seen it all play out, what has that left him with? On the surface, an enviable lifestyle — but for the Harry I know, I can’t imagine that gilded exile in California is where he wanted to end up.”
