Reports have revealed that the Duke of Sussex and the Prince of Wales were together in the UK yesterday, August 29, to pay respects to a deceased family member. While most netizens are happy to learn that the brothers reunited, some think Prince William should be wary of trusting his younger brother again.
Fan comment about Prince William and Prince Harry, posted on August 29, 2024 | Source: Facebook/Daily Mail
According to a news outlet, Prince Harry made a covert return to the UK to attend the funeral of his late mother’s brother-in-law. Joining him at the memorial service was his older brother, Prince William, who also made a discreet attendance.
Prince Harry at the Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service in London, England on May 8, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
While the two princes were both there to bid farewell to their late uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes, who passed away at 82 in July, a local source confirmed that they did not see the brothers exchange words.
“William and Harry were both there but we never saw them speak to each other and they were keeping their distance,” disclosed the source.
Prince William and Prince Harry at the Committal Service for the late Queen Elizabeth II in Windsor, England on September 19, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Prince William and Prince Harry were said to have been seated away from each other toward the back of St Mary’s Church in Snettisham, Norfolk.
Interestingly, while a source, deemed a close family friend, confirmed that both princes were in attendance, another source stated that they didn’t see Prince Harry or Prince William until the end of the service.
Prince William and Prince Harry with Prince George, Princess Catherine, Princess Charlotte and Meghan Markle at the Committal Service for the late Queen Elizabeth II in Windsor, England on September 19, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
“I didn’t know they were there. They arrived very discreetly,” divulged the source. Nonetheless, when the public heard about the princes being in the same room together, they flooded social media with comments.
Prince William and Prince Harry at the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in Windsor, England on April 17, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Some were delighted to hear the news, given the fact that the last time the brothers were reported to be in the same room was at their father’s coronation, which took place over a year ago. “So happy for them 🙏🏼🙏🏼,” swooned a fan.“Good for you Harry,” praised an admirer.
Prince William and Prince Harry at the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London, England on September 19, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Similarly, another echoed, “If that is true, [I’m] so glad [and] happy for the brothers blood is thicker than [water] [bless] them both.”
Echoing a similar sentiment, someone else penned, “I hope this funeral helps them realize how important family is and how quickly the time can come when reuniting just becomes a regret of what could have been… 😢😔.”
Prince William and Prince Harry with Peter Phillips at the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in Windsor, England on April 17, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Bringing Prince William’s wife, Princess Catherine, and the late Princess Diana into the mix, a Facebooker asserted, “It’s time William and Kate just tried a little harder to be nicer to Harry. They were always so close and I know Diana would want them to remain close forever. X.”
Princess Diana, Prince Harry and Prince William at The Thorpe Amusement Park in 1993. | Source: Getty Images
Other comments include, “Private plane then,” and a social media user wondering, “How come he was allowed to go????”
Amid the praise and urges for the brothers to make amends, some netizens feel that Prince Harry cannot be trusted. “Watch your back [Prince] William,” warned someone on Facebook while another noted, “William is smarter than that. Harry cannot be trusted.”
Prince William and Prince Harry on their way to greet well wishers in Windsor, England on September 10, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
By now, it’s no secret that Prince William and Prince Harry have not seen eye to eye for some time. Several outlets have reported stories discussing how fraught their relationship is with drama, tension, and wounds from the past and present.
Prince William and Prince Harry walking behind the late Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin in London, England on September 14, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Adding further insult to injury is the fact that not only does Prince Harry have problems with his brother, but he also has qualms with other senior members of the royal family, particularly where his father is concerned.
In July, a media outlet reported that King Charles III does not answer calls nor respond to letters from his estranged youngest son.
King Charles III and Prince Harry at the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London, England on September 19, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Similarly, when it comes to the attempts Prince Harry has made to patch things up with Prince William, those efforts, too, are made in vain. Apart from King Charles III’s coronation where Prince Harry, reportedly, sat two rows behind his brother and family, the last time the brothers were seen putting up a united front was back in September 2022.
Prince William (front row) and Prince Harry (rows behind) with other members of the royal family at King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s Coronation in London, England on May 6, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
At this time, they were joined by their wives to meet mourners standing outside Windsor Castle after Queen Elizabeth II passed away.
Reports trace the start of the brothers’ rift back to 2016, when Prince William addressed concerns he had about how fast his younger brother’s relationship with Meghan Markle was moving.
Princess Catherine, Prince William, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their way to greet well wishers in Windsor, England on September 10, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Prince Harry added further fuel to the fire with the release of his tell-all memoir, “Spare,” in which he made shocking revelations about his family, including his referral to his older brother as his “arch nemesis.” Prince Harry also disclosed the verbal and physical altercations that the two of them faced.
Copies of “Spare” in a book store in Bath, England on January 22, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
By the time 2020 rolled around, tensions were at an all-time high when Prince Harry and Meghan chose to forgo their royal roles and forge a life for themselves in the United States.
Somewhere down the line, after Queen Elizabeth II had died, Prince Harry was informed that the security he was provided with to protect him and his family would be withdrawn. This decision was set despite communication from the late queen that Prince Harry and Meghan needed to have security.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry during their visit to Columbia in Bogota, Columbia on August 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Fast-forward to February of this year (2024), and more royal family drama unfolded. When Prince Harry arrived in London from the US to visit his ailing father after King Charles III’s cancer diagnosis was revealed, their encounter was said to be extremely brief because the King had plans to rest and recuperate in Norfolk.
Prince Harry was also said to have stayed at a hotel instead of with his family when he was in London before he flew back home to Los Angeles.
Prince Harry at the Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service in London, England on May 8, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
When the Duke of Sussex returned to the UK in May for the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, he did not meet with his father or his brother. Although an insider claimed that while the rift between the brothers is dismal, it is not “irreparable.”
Prince William and Prince Harry walk behind the coffin as the Procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels to Windsor Castle in Windsor, England on September 19, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Now that they have been reported to at least be cordial enough to be in the same room again, perhaps there is hope that Prince William and Prince Harry will come to a resolution.
Their reunion at their late uncle’s funeral comes after it was initially announced that Prince Harry would not be in attendance, which followed the confirmation of Lord Robert Fellowes’ death.
Prince Harry spotted at a polo event in Wellington, Florida on April 13, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Lord Fellowes was known for his distinguished role as the late Queen Elizabeth II’s private secretary and his close ties to the Spencer family. His passing marked a somber moment for both Prince Harry and his relatives.
Lord Robert Fellows arrives to the High Court in London, England on February 12, 2008 | Source: Getty Images
Lord Fellowes was born in Sandringham in 1941. He enjoyed a notable career, serving as a trusted confidant to the Queen. He married Lady Jane Spencer, Princess Diana’s elder sister, in 1978, further entwining his life with the royal family’s story.
Lady Jane Fellowes and Robert Fellowes at Westminster Abbey in London, England on February 15, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
His death left many reflecting on his significant role in the tapestry of the British ruling class. As the royal family gathered to bid farewell to Lord Fellowes, Prince Harry faced a significant obstacle in attending his beloved uncle’s funeral.
Baron Robert Fellowes at the Parish Church of St. Nicholas in Gayton near King’s Lynn, England on September 14, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020 and relocating to the US, Prince Harry and Meghan have been stripped of taxpayer-funded security in the UK. This means they now must cover the cost of police protection out of their own pockets.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the 2024 ESPY Awards in Hollywood, California on July 11, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Compounding the situation is the current UK law that requires Prince Harry to notify British officials of any travel plans to the UK at least 28 days in advance. With this rule in place, at the time, Prince Harry had unfortunately missed the deadline to arrange his visit for Lord Fellowes’ funeral.
Sir Robert Fellowes and Lady Jane Fellowes at All Saints Church, Sudbourne in Woodbridge, England on April 2, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
Despite this, Prince Harry had been in touch with his family during this time of loss. He reached out to his aunt, Lady Jane, and his cousins, as well as his late mother’s brother, Charles Spencer, demonstrating his ongoing connection and support for his relatives.
According to a source, Prince Harry would like to spend more time in the UK, however, the logistical complications for his team due to the security issues, make it almost impossible.
Prince Harry departs the Rolls Building of the High Court after giving evidence during the Mirror Group phone hacking trial in London, England on June 6, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Back in February, the Duke of Sussex lost his legal challenge to reinstate automatic security for himself and his family. This decision came after UK authorities stripped away their protection in early 2020, shortly after Prince Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their visit to Lagos, Nigeria, as part of celebrations of Invictus Games anniversary on May 12, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Prince Harry’s battle for security is deeply personal. In a December statement, he revealed that his departure from the UK was driven by security concerns for his family—his wife Meghan and their children, Prince Archie, and Princess Lilibet.
Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and Prince Archie during a photocall in St George’s Hall at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England on May 8, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
He expressed that the inability to guarantee their safety on UK soil made it impossible for his children to feel “at home” in their native country, a sentiment he voiced passionately in court.
Prince Harry in Abuja, Nigeria on May 11, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
The quest for security has also strained Prince Harry’s relationship with his father. When Prince Harry returned to the UK in May to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, his father’s absence was notable.
Prince Harry Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation at the Honourable Artillery Company in London, England on May 7, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Officially, King Charles III’s busy schedule was cited as the reason for their missed meeting. However, insiders suggest that Prince Harry’s desire to discuss his security issues, which he believes King Charles III could influence, might have contributed to the estrangement.
King Charles III and Prince Harry at the “International Year of The Reef” 2018 meeting in London, England on February 14, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Just when it seemed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s challenges couldn’t get any more complex, recent reports have revealed that their chief of staff has resigned after just three months on the job.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend a Wheelchair Tennis match during the Invictus Games 2017 at Nathan Philips Square in Toronto, Canada on September 25, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
This sudden departure sparked a flurry of reactions and debates online, shedding light on the couple’s ongoing struggles in their new life. One user questioned, “Why do they need a Chief of Staff?? They’re private citizens, just like they wanted, right?” Another commenter echoed this sentiment with, “I’m surprised he lasted that long.”
User comment about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Chief of Staff resigning, posted on August 13, 2024 | Source: Facebook/pagesix
The overall response was a mix of disbelief and disapproval, with some noting the situation as “super embarrassing” and others suggesting it indicates deeper issues.
Critics continued to be particularly vocal. One remarked, “I can’t imagine that anyone with any sense would have taken the job on in the first place!” and another hinted, “Doesn’t that tell you something.”
User comment about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Chief of Staff resigning, posted on August 13, 2024 | Source: Facebook/pagesix
There was also disappointment expressed by those questioning the need for such a role now that Prince Harry and Meghan are no longer working royals. On this, one person commented, “Why do they even have someone called ‘chief of staff’? They are not Royal anymore.”
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend a Creative Industries and Business Reception in Johannesburg, South Africa, on October 2, 2019. | Source: Getty Images
Since relocating to California in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan have made only one return trip to the UK with their children. They visited in 2022 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee. The couple also marked their daughter Lilibet’s first birthday at Frogmore Cottage, their former home in Windsor.