Is Prince Harry Returning To Royal Duties Amid King Charles' Cancer Diagnosis?

Prince Harry could take on royal duties again to support his father, King Charles III, amid his battle with cancer, reports have claimed.

The Duke of Sussex, who is fifth in line to the British throne, reportedly expressed his willingness to return to a temporary royal role, according to unnamed royal sources cited by the U.K.'s The Times. Enstarz could not independently verify the information.

Despite stepping back as a working royal four years ago, Prince Harry reportedly told friends he would be open to taking on royal engagements and assisting his father if requested.

An unnamed source reportedly close to Prince Harry also told Page Six that the royal would likely respond positively if King Charles sought his help.

"I have a hard time believing if his dad asks for his help that Harry would say no, I think he would try," the source told the outlet.

However, the insider added, "I don't think it's something that Harry would ask [to do] on his own."

The reported decision comes at a time when Prince William's wife, Kate Middleton, is recovering from abdominal surgery.

King Charles, who reportedly shared "warm exchanges" with his son following his cancer diagnosis, is reportedly open to the idea of Prince Harry resuming royal duties, according to The Times.

The idea is seen as a pragmatic step to support the King during his illness.

"On all practical levels, it makes perfect sense for the family to come together to support the King while he's sick," one unnamed royal insider told The Times.

"Much has been said on both sides in recent years, but that has never diminished the fundamental bond of blood, and there are now pragmatic aspects to consider, with the King and Kate's wellbeing ­paramount in this," the source added.

The Clarence House meeting and subsequent conversations between Charles and Harry have remained private, but insiders reportedly believe "this arrangement could work" in the current circumstances.

Prince Harry and Markle stepped back as working members of the royal family in 2020 and relocated to California.

In 2021, Buckingham Palace announced that the Sussexes agreed with Queen Elizabeth II that they would not return as working royals.

The couple's royal patronages and Harry's honorary military appointments were revoked.

Last month, The Times reported that Prince Harry and Prince Andrew's Counsellor of State eligibility was removed after King Charles' accession.

King Charles' cancer diagnosis was revealed earlier this month after undergoing treatment for an enlarged prostate in January.

He has postponed public-facing duties but will continue to handle state business and official paperwork.

Following the announcement, Prince Harry flew to London to visit his father, marking their first meeting since the King's coronation ceremony in May 2023.

During an interview with "Good Morning America" Friday, Prince Harry, who was in Canada with his wife for Invictus Games 2025's One Year to Go celebrations, spoke about his visit to his father but refused to share details about the state of the King's health.

"I spoke to him. I jumped on a plane and went to go see him as soon as I could," the royal said. "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."

Meanwhile, Kensington Palace said Middleton was "unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter" based on the current medical advice.

Prince William and Queen Camille have resumed royal duties since the announcement of their partners' health situations.

Tags

Prince Harry, King Charles III, British royal family