Monarch resumes duties in North America while Duke of Sussex skips
continent for surprise visit to China
King Charles has made a brave return to the international stage, arriving in
Canada on May 26 for a whirlwind visit with Queen Camilla—his first trip to
North America since becoming monarch.
The 76-year-old King, who is undergoing weekly cancer treatment, appeared
composed and upbeat as he touched down in Ottawa for an engagement lasting
less than 24 hours. The visit marks his 20th official tour of Canada and
Camilla’s sixth.
Charles’ presence in North America comes at a time of ongoing tension with his
son, Prince Harry, who was notably absent. Instead of meeting his father on
the same continent, the Duke of Sussex made a surprise appearance in Shanghai,
China, where he attended a global travel and tourism summit.
Harry, who now lives in Montecito, California, with Meghan Markle and their
children, recently spoke about the family divide in a BBC interview following
his legal defeat over reduced U.K. security. “I would love reconciliation with
my family,” he said. “There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore.”
In a rare moment of emotional openness, the Duke acknowledged the seriousness
of his father’s illness: “Life is precious. I don’t know how much longer my
father has… He won’t speak to me because of this security stuff, but it
would be nice to reconcile.”
Despite stepping away from royal duties, Harry maintains that King Charles, as
head of state, has the authority to restore his security protection. As
Charles presses on with royal responsibilities abroad, the deepening personal
rift with his son remains unresolved.
