Should Prince Harry return to public duties? Fierce debate erupts over GMB as royal experts claim there is no turning back after his 'damaging' tirades against the institution

Guests on Good Morning Britain became embroiled in a fierce debate about Prince Harry and whether he should return to royal duties following his father's cancer diagnosis.

Presenters Richard Madeley and Susanna Reid were joined by royal commentator Emily Andrews and social commentator Imarn Ayton to discuss the topic on today's show.

It was confirmed on Monday that King Charles III has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and is currently undergoing 'regular' outpatient treatment.

The Duke of Sussex, 39, rushed from LA to be at his father's side, leaving GMB guests wondering if this is an appropriate time for Harry to return to royal duties.

However, there was a lack of consensus on the show, and although Imarn hypothesized that Charles' ill health should encourage Harry to act as a son and return to work, Emily refuted the idea.

When asked whether Harry should return to royal duties, royal journalist Emily said: 'He should not return to royal duties, mainly because he has said himself that he does not want to do so.

“If we go back to the Sandringham summit four years ago, Harry and Meghan wanted a half-in, half-out situation.

“They wanted to represent the monarch, but they also wanted to make their own money and do their own thing, and the late Queen Elizabeth, and even the then Prince Charles, said, 'No, there's no half in, half out. all-in or you're all-out.”

The journalist concluded: 'Harry has been very public since then and his feelings about the institution, the hierarchy, the toxicity, he has said some very damaging things about the institution. So how can he therefore come back and represent the organization he walked away from?”

Imarn disputed Emily's position, saying: 'It's about context. This was before the diagnosis of late. Let's always put things in context.

She continues, “That was at a time when there were a lot of problems in the family, and that was at a time when things were quite tumultuous.

'Now we find ourselves in a situation where his father has been diagnosed with something very serious.

“So for me personally, this is his opportunity to act as a royal, to act as a son. It's a chance for him to take some of the burden off William with everything he's going through with Kate,” she added.

Meanwhile, social commentator Imarn Ayton (pictured) said it's time for Prince Harry to step down and return to life in the royal fold

The Duke of Sussex, 39, took a transatlantic trip to visit his father, King Charles, after the shocking news of his cancer diagnosis broke

Imarn continued, “You ultimately conclude that you cannot criticize an institution and work for them at the same time. Both things can be true.

“You can criticize an institution and then support your family when necessary.”

Imarn concludes: 'As far as I'm concerned, his father is ill and that is the only priority.'

Good Morning Britain also gave viewers the opportunity to share their views through a poll.

The show asked the audience the following question: 'Time for Prince Harry to return to royal duties?'

The results showed that a whopping 78 percent said no, while 22 percent of voters said yes.

Presenters Richard Madeley (left) and Susanna Reid (right) revealed the results of the poll on the same question asked to the audience, with the majority agreeing that Harry should not return

Social media users took to X, formerly Twitter, to share their thoughts – and there was a lack of consensus on whether Harry should return

Social media users have since shared their thoughts on X, formerly Twitter.

A cancer patient, who had his family around him to meet their needs, said, “The king will want his two sons. Media and public need to stay out of it and understand this and think about how they would feel! Let them heal privately! There is too much hate in the world…Harry definitely needs to step up.”

A second added: 'In my opinion no. Harry has brought chaos, shame and pain to his own royal family.”

“Just because he was born into the royal family doesn't mean he has to be one of them, let him live his life the way he wants to,” said another.

Another disagreed, saying: 'Do you think we want him back after he trashed the royal family every chance he got? Real….'

“Before this happens, some kind of family unity needs to be established,” said another.