Return of the prodigal son: can Prince Harry's homecoming change everything after King Charles' diagnosis?
So, the prodigal returns. In short order after King Charles told his younger son directly about his cancer diagnosis, Harry was on his way back to England. It is fitting. If there is one thing that cancer does, it is to concentrate everyone’s mind. And this useful reminder of the King’s vulnerability has had the result of bringing the prodigal son back home — and, if the parable is apt, his father will meet him halfway.
Serious illness puts things into perspective. And the human response to a cancer diagnosis is to look at the wretched squabbles about security, about money, about respect and precedence (remember the fuss about Harry’s epaulettes before the Queen’s funeral?) and to see them for the insignificant things they are.
The Duke’s funeral that his father pleaded with the brothers: “Please boys, don’t make my final years a misery.” You could say this gesture is a response. Having said which, it is frankly grounds for relief that Harry comes without his lovely wife.
