Prince Harry learned father King Charles was in the hospital on the news: royal expert

Prince Harry allegedly wasn’t told that his father, King Charles III, was briefly hospitalized for side effects from cancer treatment. 

The Duke of Sussex learned about the matter “through the news, not by Buckingham Palace ringing him or his team up to explain,” according to the Sun’s royal editor Matt Wilkinson.

“My understanding is that they didn’t want to add to the drama,” Wilkinson said on Friday’s episode of “A Right Royal Podcast.”

“They didn’t want to make it seem like it was more serious than it was,” Wilkinson continued. “Whereas when [Charles was diagnosed], they told Harry before, and Harry flew back [to England.]”

A rep for Harry, 40, did not return Page Six’s request for comment. 

The British monarch, 76, was unexpectedly admitted to the hospital in late March amid his cancer battle and had to postpone his engagements for that afternoon.

“Following scheduled and ongoing medical treatment for cancer this morning, The King experienced temporary side effects that required a short period of observation in hospital,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

As a “precautionary measure,” Charles’ engagements the following day were also postponed.

“His Majesty would like to send his apologies to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result,” the statement added. 

By April 1, Charles had returned to his royal duties, presiding over an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. 

The palace announced the king’s cancer diagnosis in February 2024 after he underwent a procedure for a benign prostate enlargement.

The drama surrounding Harry’s alleged snub underscores an already strained relationship between the duke, his wife, Meghan Markle, and the royal family. 

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex famously left their roles as senior royals in 2020 and ultimately moved to Montecito, Calif., where they’re now raising their two children, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3. 

The tension between Harry and his family was seemingly apparent at Charles’ coronation in 2023, according to lip reader Jeremy Freeman, who claimed Harry had some biting words for his relatives. 

“I’m fed up with the way they treat me,” the “Spare” author allegedly said to Princess Eugenie’s husband, Jack Brooksbank. “It’s not an ideal situation.”