As many know, Prince Harry has a tense relationship with his family since he and his wife, Meghan Markle stepped down as working royals in 2020 and moved to the US. Since then, the Sussex family has only visited the UK a handful of times, and Prince Harry often comes alone.
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On rare occasions the Duke of Sussex visits his home country he doesn’t see his family (King Charles and Prince William). Indeed, when he visited back in May for the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, King Charles did not have time to see his youngest son.
However, things may change as Prince Harry could be planning a brief trip home for a sad occasion that may have him in the same room as his brother, but he allegedly has one condition.
Prince Harry may be returning to the UK
As mentioned above, Prince Harry may be planning a brief visit to the UK to attend the funeral of his uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes, who passed away on July 29, 2024, at the age of 82. Lord Fellowes was married to Lady Jane, Princess Diana’s sister.
It is believed that both Prince Harry and Prince William were close with their aunts on their mother’s side, indeed, both aunts were present as Prince William and Prince Harry attended the unveiling of Diana’s statue three years ago, when the brother’s feud had barely begun.
As reported by The Independent, a friend of Prince Harry’s has claimed he will attend the funeral on ‘one condition’. As per the unnamed friend, the father of two will only attend his uncle’s funeral if there isn’t ‘too much drama’.
He would want to be there. It will be a huge gathering of the Spencer clan. [But] it may well be that everyone feels Harry’s attendance would just create too much drama. It will be very sad for him if he can’t make it.
A royal commentator has suggested that Prince Harry attending the funeral could be an ‘awkward presence’.
Prince Harry and Prince William both attending could be ‘awkward’
The commentator has claimed that Prince Harry returning to the UK for his uncle’s funeral could be ‘awkward’ as his brother, Prince William, will also attend. Jennie Bond, a former BBC royal correspondent, told OK! that the Duke of Sussex’s presence would ‘cause all sorts of awkwardness’.
I imagine Harry will want to be at his uncle’s funeral…. but his presence would cause all sorts of awkwardness if William attends too.
However, she hopes that the two brothers can be civil in the same space, as they were for their father’s coronation in May 2023.
It would be nice to think, though, that two grown-up men could at least be in the same space…. as they were at the Coronation, albeit briefly…. without ruining an occasion of great sadness and solemnity.
Moreover, Bond added that their uncle’s funeral will unlikely help ease the feud between them, as it didn’t happen during either of their grandparents’ funerals.
I think we have learned by now that nothing seems likely to thaw the frost between William and Harry.
Read more:
Prince William and Harry: Royal expert claims their feud is 'crossing generations'
Royal Family: As Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie step up, can they help Harry and William reconnect?
Sources used:
The Independent: ‘Royal news – live: Harry considering UK return ‘on one condition’ as Kate Middleton’s holiday plans revealed’
Mirror: ‘Prince Harry would be 'awkward' presence if he returns to UK for sad event, says expert’
OK!: ‘Prince Harry's 'awkward' new meeting with Prince William but it will do nothing to mend their rift’
Daily Mail: ‘Prince Harry has 'spoken to Princess Diana's side of the family' following the death of his uncle Robert Fellowes as friends speculate if he'll come back to the UK for the funeral’
Daily Beast: ‘Prince Harry considering UK return for uncle Lord Fellowes’ funeral under one condition’
