Amid the ongoing rift between Britain’s Prince Harry and Prince William, the two brothers attended the funeral of their uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes, on Wednesday but did not interact during the service.
The brothers, who have had strained ties since Harry and his wife Meghan stepped back from royal duties, were seen sitting apart at the back of Norfolk’s St Mary’s Church, according to The Sun newspaper. Despite reports suggesting Harry would not attend due to security concerns, he made a discreet trip from the US to honour his late uncle, who was married to their mother Princess Diana’s sister, Lady Jane Spencer.
‘Both princes were there’
A family friend confirmed both princes’ attendance, saying, “They were very happy to confirm both princes were there”. Witnesses noted that the brothers arrived separately and were not seen speaking to each other throughout the service. One local observer, according to the UK newspaper, remarked, “William and Harry were both there, but we never saw them speak to each other and they were keeping their distance”.
This marked their first public appearance together since King Charles III’s coronation over a year ago. Lord Fellowes, who passed away at the age of 82 on July 29, served as Queen Elizabeth II’s private secretary from 1990 to 1999, navigating the British royal family through tumultuous times, including the death of Princess Diana.
Rift remains
While the brothers’ joint attendance was seen as a significant moment for the UK royal family, their ongoing rift remains evident, with limited communication between them since Harry’s relocation to the US and the release of his memoir, “Spare.” In July, a source told People magazine that despite the severe rift between Prince Harry and his brother, there is still hope for reconciliation.
In the same month, another source reported that King Charles was avoiding all communication with Harry, who was trying to reconnect while seeking security for his family. A royal insider mentioned to Page Six that the key to mending the ties between Harry and Charles would be for the King to grant Harry the security clearance he urgently desires.
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