When Prince Harry embarked on a plane journey to visit his ailing father, King Charles II, on February 6th, the timing was poignant, following Buckingham Palace's disclosure of the Monarch's cancer diagnosis.
Expecting an emotional reunion, Harry was instead met with a brief, business-like encounter lasting only 30 minutes. According to insider reports, Harry felt brushed aside and hurt by the awkward intensity of the interaction. This incident is just one piece of a larger royal power struggle, as the future of the crown remains uncertain amidst familial tensions.
Sources within the palace suggest that while King Charles was touched by Harry's visit, he was reminded by his wife, Queen Camilla, and his heir, Prince William, that Harry is no longer considered part of the royal family. Prince William is particularly concerned that Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, who stepped back from royal duties and relocated to the US in May 2020, may seek a share of the $34 billion Crown estate.
Determined to protect the integrity of the monarchy, William is urging their father to officially exclude Harry from his will, asserting that Charles is not obligated to leave him anything. Both Camilla and William view the Sussexes as greedy fame-seekers who cannot be trusted.
While Buckingham Palace publicly acknowledged King Charles's health situation, revealing the detection of cancer following surgery for benign prostate enlargement, there are concerns that the condition may be more serious than reported. Despite maintaining a brave demeanor in public appearances, Charles undoubtedly harbors private worries about his health. Plans for his funeral, codenamed Operation Meni Bridge, are being updated, reflecting the royal family's acknowledgment of potential outcomes.
In a bid to prolong his reign despite health challenges, King Charles has taken measures such as sleeping in an oxygen tent. However, he grapples with short-term memory loss, relying on aides and notebooks for essential information. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Prince Harry faces uncertainty regarding his inheritance after being financially cut off by Charles upon his relocation to California with Meghan and their children.
Harry's attempts at reconciliation with his father have been met with resistance, with reminders from aides, Camilla, and William that he no longer holds a place in the monarchy's ranks. The consequences of leaving his royal life behind are sinking in for Harry, leaving him with deep feelings of isolation and impact. Despite Harry's criticisms of the royal family, Prince William remains steadfast in his commitment to safeguarding the monarchy, even if it means distancing himself from his own brother.
