Prince Harry's sudden return to the UK to visit his father, King Charles, amidst the monarch's battle with cancer has drawn criticism for disregarding medical advice.
The Duke of Sussex met with the 75-year-old King for 45 minutes at Clarence House, following the personal revelation of Charles's cancer diagnosis to his estranged son.
This encounter marked their first in-person meeting in 18 months, with their last face-to-face interaction occurring during Charles's coronation last May.
Royal expert Michael Cole, speaking to GB News, highlighted concerns about the potential risks posed to King Charles's health during such close contact. Cole suggested that physical contact, including hugging, may not be advisable due to the nature of the King's cancer treatment, which necessitates isolation to prevent infection.
"The arrival of Harry presents some problems because the treatment of cancer the King is now going to undergo will require people to stay away from other people to avoid infection," Cole explained.
He emphasized the importance of adhering to medical advice, stating, "The King will be advised very strongly by his doctors to avoid physical contact with people because it's all part of treatment. You don't go near anybody who might bring infection into your world."
In line with Buckingham Palace's official statement earlier in the week, King Charles will continue to manage state affairs and paperwork while refraining from "public-facing duties" during his scheduled treatments. Meetings, including those with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, will be conducted over the phone rather than in person to minimize potential risks.
As the royal family navigates through this challenging time, concerns for King Charles's health remain at the forefront, urging caution and adherence to medical guidelines amidst personal interactions.
