HARRY'S HEARTBREAK RUNNING OUT OF TIME

THREE MONTHS AFTER HIS CANCER DIAGNOSIS, KING CHARLES III DECLINES TO SEE HIS ESTRANGED SON. NOW HARRY WORRIES HE'LL NEVER SEE HIS FATHER AGAIN.

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THE timing was unfortunate, at best. On May 7, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles III would bestow one of his top military titles to Prince William, his firstborn son and heir. “His Majesty the King will officially hand over the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales,” the palace shared. What the statement didn’t note is that his estranged son, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex — who actually served with the Army Air Corps in Afghanistan — was by all accounts expected to one day become its ceremonial leader had he not stepped back from royal duties four years ago. “For Harry, it was the ultimate humiliation,” an insider tells Star.

It was a double blow. Hours earlier, the 39-year-old had arrived in London to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, his sporting event for wounded soldiers and vets, only to learn that his cancer-stricken father was too busy to meet with him. “It unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full programme,” Harry’s spokesperson said in a statement. “The Duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.” In truth, Harry was hurt. “It’s not stopped him from loving his dad but has reminded Harry that some things may never be repairable,” says the source. Now, with sources telling Star Charles has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given just two years to live, the idea of reconciliation is fading. Says the source, “Harry is heartbroken and worried he’ll never see his father again.”

REPEATED REJECTION