His teary eyes were impossible to ignore as the King sat in the back of his car with wife, Queen Camilla, waving to well-wishers as he left Clarence House en route to Buckingham Palace.
It had been a big day for the 75-year-old monarch, who, on top of dealing with his devastating cancer diagnosis, was also reeling after a surprise reunion with Prince Harry.
His 39-year-old youngest son jetted back to London from California as soon as his father called to break the news and royal biographer Phil Dampier says Charles’ tears were ones of joy following a positive meeting with his youngest son after years of turmoil.
“Harry’s catch-up with his father was short but sweet,” palace insider Phil tells Woman’s Day. “I’m told there were hugs and a few tears, and it was quite emotional.
“But Charles wanted to get to Sandringham to begin his recovery from treatment and a helicopter at Buckingham Palace needed to take off in daylight.
“It seems incredible that they only spent 45 minutes together, but their relationship has been quite fraught, so maybe both wanted this to be a fi rst step.”
We’re told Harry has likely apologised for past insensitivity and there are hopes the royal family can put this rift behind them amid the King’s illness.
Indeed, Harry is even said to have wanted to meet Prince William, but his big brother was otherwise engaged, focused on his wife’s recovery from her own surgery.
“Harry has always loved his one remaining parent and I’m sure the King still loves his son,” says Phil. “Hopefully they put aside their diff erences and this was the fi rst step towards a reconciliation.”
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