Both the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex attended the service for Lord Robert Fellowes, who was married to Princess Diana’s sister, Jane. Despite their presence, observers noted that the brothers seemed to maintain their distance.
Reports initially suggested that Harry might miss the funeral due to “security issues,” but he was able to attend discreetly. This marked their first appearance together in the same room this year amidst ongoing tensions.
During the service in Snettisham, Norfolk, the brothers reportedly sat separately at the back of the church.
A source told The Sun, “I didn’t know they were there. They arrived very discreetly.” Another resident commented, “William and Harry were both there but we never saw them speak to each other, and they were keeping their distance.”
Since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties and moved to the US, the brothers have had minimal contact, further strained by the controversial interview the couple gave to Oprah Winfrey. The publication of Harry’s memoir, Spare, which included further accusations against the royal family, deepened the rift.
Lord Robert Fellowes, who served as private secretary to Queen Elizabeth II in the 1990s and was involved in handling significant events such as the Windsor Castle fire and Princess Diana’s death, passed away on July 29 at the age of 82.
Harry’s security arrangements require him to notify authorities of any travel to the UK 28 days in advance, complicating his ability to attend events like funerals on short notice. He and Meghan resigned from their royal roles in 2020, and Harry has recently expressed concerns about Meghan’s safety in the UK.
In an ITV documentary, he stated, “It’s one of the reasons why I won’t bring my wife back to this country,” citing risks posed by “one lone actor” and the potential for violence.
Harry had previously challenged a Home Office decision regarding his security level for UK visits, though he lost the case in February. He has been granted permission to appeal, citing concerns that his children cannot feel “at home” in the UK due to safety concerns, which he believes are compounded by “additional layers of racism and extremism.”
