Royal Rift Continues: Harry and William Attend Funeral Separately
Prince Harry and Prince William are understood to have attended the funeral of their late uncle, Lord Fellowes, but remained distant, with no apparent interaction. The brothers haven't been seen together publicly since the King's Coronation in May, adding to speculation surrounding their ongoing rift.
The brothers are said to have had no contact since the Sussexes' numerous public pronouncements about the Royal Family, which are thought to have caused tension. They were not seen together when Harry visited the UK earlier this year, for both the Invictus Games anniversary service and a meeting with King Charles following his cancer diagnosis.
Lady Fellowes, a member of the Spencer family, was present at the Invictus service in support of Prince Harry. However, their presence at the funeral, reported by The Sun newspaper, is the first confirmed public occasion where the brothers have been in close proximity since Queen Elizabeth II's funeral last year.
According to a source quoted by The Sun, "Both princes were there" at the church service, but "they kept their distance" and were not seen speaking. Another local commented, "William and Harry were both there but we never saw them speak to each other and they were keeping their distance." They arrived "discreetly" and sat at the back of the church.
Lord Fellowes, who served as Queen Elizabeth II's private secretary for nine years, died on July 29th. He was instrumental in guiding the Royal Family during some of its most tumultuous years, and was known for his discretion. In a rare interview in 2008, The Telegraph noted: "Few know more about the Royal family than Robert Fellowes, and few have said less."
Earl Spencer, Lord Fellowes' brother-in-law, paid tribute, describing him as "a total gentleman, in all the best meanings of that word, he was a man of humour, wisdom and utter integrity. Iâm deeply proud to have been his brother-in-law."
The brothers' separate attendance at the funeral further highlights the ongoing estrangement between them, a situation that has been the subject of much public scrutiny. While the future of their relationship remains uncertain, the absence of any apparent interaction at this solemn occasion suggests the rift may not be easily bridged.
