Meghan Markle WON’T join Prince Harry when he jets to UK to see King Charles after cancer diagnosis
The King is understood to have called Harry before Buckingham Palace made the announcement
MEGHAN Markle is not joining Prince Harry in flying to the UK to visit King Charles following his cancer diagnosis, The Sun can reveal.
The Duchess of Sussex, 42, is remaining at their Montecito mansion in California with their children Archie, four, and two-year-old Lilibet.
Harry is believed to have arrived in Los Angeles International Airport in the early hours of this morning to catch his flight.
He is due to board a plane which will land in the UK around midday today.
The King informed Harry of his diagnosis by phone before Buckingham Palace released a statement at 6pm.
What we know so far:
- The King has been diagnosed with a form of cancer
- Prince Harry is flying to the UK to support his father
- The King personally called his siblings and children to tell them
- He is receiving expert care from specialist doctors
- His Majesty returned from Sandringham to London to begin treatment today
- Doctors advised the King to postpone public-facing Royal duties
- Camilla is preparing to play an important role supporting the King
- Charles will continue to receive Red Boxes and State documents during his treatment
- The King will continue to meet the Prime Minister for a weekly audience
The statement said: “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.
“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.”
It remains unclear when the King will be able to resume full-time duties.
ROYAL OPERATIONS
How the King and Kate's respective health battles unfolded:
Tuesday, January 16: Kate, 42, is secretly admitted to the London Clinic and undergoes abdominal surgery.
Wednesday, January 17: Kensington Palace announces the princess’ operation and says she will remain in the private hospital for 10-14 days.
Over an hour later, 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, January 18: Prince William spends time at his wife’s bedside, driving himself away from the back entrance during the low-key, private visit.
The Queen says the King is “fine” and “looking forward to getting back to work” during a visit to the Aberdeen Art Gallery
Friday, January 19: The King flies back from Scotland with the Queen and heads to his Sandringham estate in Norfolk to rest ahead of the procedure.
Monday, January 22: The Queen tells 86-year-old well-wisher Jessie Jackson that the King is “fine”, and thanks her for asking, while she carries out engagements in Swindon.
Camilla urges the King to take it easy. An insider told The Sun: “The Queen has told him he needs to slow down a bit.”
Thursday, January 25: The King arrives back in London from Sandringham ready for his treatment.
Friday, January 26: The King is admitted to the London Clinic for treatment for an enlarged prostate and also visits the Princess of Wales, who is recovering in the same hospital.
Sunday, January 28: Queen Camilla arrives for her fourth visit on Charles’ third day in hospital.
Monday, January 29: King Charles leaves hospital.
Sunday, February 4: Charles seen waving as he walks to church at Sandringham.
Monday, February 5: Buckingham Palace announce King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer.
Prince William, meanwhile, will return to royal duties on Wednesday following a break to care for Kate and their children.
The Prince of Wales will hold an investiture at Windsor Castle.
He will attend the London Air Ambulance fundraising gala in London’s Raffles Hotel later the same day.
It comes as King Charles carried out a staggering 516 engagements last year, including 94 trips abroad.
Despite his diagnosis, he will continue with his weekly audiences with the Prime Minister.
The King will also continue to receive Red Boxes and State documents during his treatment.
