King Charles III is preparing to step up overseas travel in 2026 following what he described as encouraging progress in his cancer treatment, a shift that could place him in the United States at the same time as his estranged son, Prince Harry, according to reports by RadarOnline.com. The monarch's expanded itinerary comes after a year in which his foreign visits were sharply curtailed following a cancer diagnosis disclosed in February 2024.
The 77-year-old King made only two international trips this year, to Italy and Canada, as weekly outpatient treatment limited his schedule. Palace officials now expect the frequency of that treatment to be reduced in the New Year, freeing time for official visits, including a U.S. trip planned for April that would coincide with events marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.
In a televised address aired during a British cancer fundraiser, Charles spoke publicly about his diagnosis, calling it "overwhelming," and used the moment to urge wider participation in health screenings. "Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives," the King said, adding that "remarkable advances" in cancer care had allowed him to continue "a full and active life" while undergoing treatment.
He expanded that message with a direct appeal to the public. "This December, as we gather to reflect on the year past, I pray that we can each pledge, as part of our resolutions for the year ahead, to play our part in helping to catch cancer early," Charles said. "Your life - or the life of someone you love - may depend upon it."
Buckingham Palace has declined to specify the type of cancer or treatment regimen, saying the decision was made so the King "speaks to those affected by all forms of the disease." The Palace confirmed that Charles would continue to be monitored as his treatment moves into what advisers have described as a precautionary phase.
The planned U.S. visit has drawn particular attention because it increases the likelihood of a meeting with Prince Harry, who relocated to California with his wife, Meghan Markle, in 2020. The two have not been seen together publicly since. Later in 2026, Charles is also scheduled to travel to Antigua and Barbuda for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
At the same time, Prince Harry is reassessing his own relationship with the UK. The Home Office has ordered a new threat assessment-the first in five years-after the Royal and VIP Executive Committee removed his automatic armed protection when he stepped back as a working royal. A senior palace source told Radar Online, "This is the clearest sign yet that Harry is preparing the ground for spending far more time in Britain, possibly even basing himself here."
Another source warned of potential strain at home, saying, "That would bring inevitable tension with Meghan, who has built a life in California and has little appetite for a return." The source added: "People close to them know it could strain the marriage in ways that may be impossible to reverse. In short, it could bust them up forever."
According to those familiar with the situation, Harry has long argued that security is central to his willingness to spend extended time in the UK with his children. "The reality is simple - Harry has always seen armed protection as the key to feeling secure enough to be here with his children," one source said. "If he gets it back, everything changes."
