In a surprising turn of events, it has been revealed that Prince Harry learned about his father, King Charles', upcoming surgery just like the rest of the world, through an online announcement. Buckingham Palace officially announced on January 17, 2024, that the 75-year-old monarch would undergo a "corrective procedure" for an enlarged prostate.

Efforts were reportedly made to inform all senior members of the Royal family, including Prince Harry, about the procedure. However, due to the time difference between London and California, where Harry now resides with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their two children, it seems that the public announcement may have preceded any private communication with the Duke of Sussex.

This breakdown in communication echoes a similar situation that occurred after the passing of Queen Elizabeth in 2022 when Prince Harry learned about her death moments before the public announcement. However, a spokesperson for King Charles at that time clarified that every family member had been informed before the public disclosure.

Adding to the recent revelation, a report by The Times of London published on January 18, 2024, disclosed that Prince Harry has been deprived of the opportunity to serve as a Counsellor of State during his father's surgery. This role would have allowed him to carry out royal responsibilities on behalf of King Charles during his recuperation.

According to the report, Prince Harry's eligibility was quietly nullified following King Charles' ascension to the throne. The Counsellors of State Bill 2022-23, which became law in December 2022, stated that only "working members of the Royal Family" could be called upon to act as Counsellors of State. As Prince Harry and Prince Andrew have withdrawn from royal duties, the legislation designates Princess Anne and Prince Edward as lifelong Counsellors of State.

Although a royal source assured People magazine that King Charles is fully capable of fulfilling his royal duties during his surgery, the impact on Prince Harry and King Charles' relationship remains uncertain. Previous reports indicated that Prince Harry had expressed his intention to reconcile with his father this year. However, it seems that any reunion will not occur before the monarch's surgery.

It remains to be seen how this development will influence the ongoing dynamics within the Royal Family. Prince Harry's recent memoir, "Spare," has been published and offers readers a firsthand account of his life with the British royal family, including his decision to move to America with Meghan Markle and depart from Buckingham Palace in 2020.