Prince Harry has come under fire for allegedly jetting home to see his sick father, King Charles, in order to have material to discuss in his TV interview. Despite his previous criticism of the royal family, Harry called for "family unity" in the highly-promoted exclusive interview. Insiders claim that the short visit was motivated by the need for content for the interview, while critics have called his actions "shameless" and "despicable."
Jetting Home for Material
According to insiders, Prince Harry's recent trip to see his father was driven by the desire to have something to talk about in his TV interview. They argue that Harry knew he would be asked about his father during the interview and needed material to discuss. Palace aides reportedly limited the time Harry could spend with King Charles, aware of the upcoming interview in the US.
Controversial Interview
Harry's interview, in which he discussed his father's cancer diagnosis, has been met with criticism. Royal expert Angela Levin described the interview as "shameless" and insincere. She argued that if Harry had not visited the UK, he would not have had anything to say about his father. Critics find it shocking that Harry seemed flippant about his father's health and only spent a short amount of time with him.
Repeating Past Actions
This is not the first time Prince Harry has visited a family member and later discussed it in detail on television. In 2022, he spoke about his visit to the late Queen shortly after during the Invictus Games. The recent visit to see King Charles mirrors this pattern, raising questions about the sincerity of Harry's actions.
Family Unity or Publicity Stunt?
While Harry expressed hope that the meeting with his father could have a reunifying effect, critics remain skeptical. After years of bitter mudslinging, it remains to be seen whether a 30-minute visit can truly repair strained family relations. Harry's comments about the strength of the family unit have also been met with skepticism, especially considering his recent absence during Kate's recovery from surgery and his failure to visit Thomas Markle after a stroke.
Future Plans
Prince Harry stated that his life in California is his priority, but he plans to stop in and see his family in the UK whenever possible. He has not traveled back to the UK with Meghan and their children since the Platinum Jubilee in June 2022, but he has future trips planned.
Overall, Prince Harry's visit to see King Charles has sparked controversy and raised questions about his motivations. Critics argue that his actions were driven by the need for material for his TV interview, while supporters see it as a genuine gesture of concern for his father's health.
