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.
