Princes William and Harry attended the funeral of their uncle Lord Robert Fellowes (Image: In Pictures via Getty Images)Sign up to our free email to get all the latest royal news and picturesMore Newsletters SubscribePlease enter a valid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later.More NewslettersWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More infoThank you for subscribing!We have more newslettersShow me See OurPrivacy Notice See OurPrivacy Notice×Group 28 Sign up to our free email to get all the latest royal news and picturesInvalid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later.Sign UpNo thanks, closeWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info×Group 28Thank you for subscribing!We have more newslettersShow MeNo thanks, closeSee our
Privacy NoticeEstranged brothers Princes William and Harry came together on Thursday in a momentous meet, once again united in grief. The Royal siblings, who have been caught up in a public spat, both attended the funeral of their uncle Lord Robert Fellowes, who sadly passed away last month aged 82. Harry made a secret flight from the US to join William at the service at St Mary’s Church in Snettisham, where they joined their Spencer relatives in paying their respects. This marks the first time they’ve been seen together since their father King Charles’ Coronation last May – although on that occasion, they didn’t sit together or appear to converse. It’s been reported that the brothers have barely spoken since the funeral of the late Queen nearly two years ago, with their relationship so strained that sources suggest William wouldn’t want Harry at his own Coronation when the time comes. However, despite seemingly setting their differences aside for yesterday’s service, there were indications of them maintaining a distance from each other. According to The Sun, both brothers ‘discreetly’ attended the service, slipping in and out quietly. Sadly, during the service, they sat separately at the back of the church, reports the Mirror.
Prince William and Harry aren’t on speaking terms
(Image: Getty Images)
One source told the paper that they only noticed the Royal brothers at the end of the service, saying: “I didn’t know they were there. They arrived very discreetly.” Another source noted the lack of interaction between the two, stating: “William and Harry were both there but we never saw them speak to each other and they were keeping their distance.” Reverend Dan Tansey, who led the service, shared his experience with The Sun about what the brothers said to him post-service. He said: “It was only as I was greeting the congregation on the way out that Prince William was shaking my hand, and then very quickly after Prince Harry did too. It was a surprise but a really really pleasant surprise that they had both come. He added: “On the way out, they both said thank you for the service and I thanked them for coming.” Following the service, which was more of a memorial than a funeral, a reception took place. The vicar described it as relaxed and friendly, but he mentioned: “I don’t recollect them speaking to each other but there were a lot of family members and friends speaking to them.” The reverend also expressed that Lord Fellowes and his widow Jane, Princess Diana’s older sister, would have greatly appreciated both brothers attending the service. Royal biographer Ingrid Seward shared with the Mirror: “Harry is close to Robert Fellowes’ widow Jane. She and sister Sarah come to all of Harry’s UK events and were at Archie’s christening. The thought of having to see his estranged brother would not have worried Harry as much as the other way around. I am certain they were civil to each other. A funeral is not the time to settle scores. Or indeed a time to makeup as Harry is well aware.”
The last public sighting of William and Harry together was in Windsor in 2022
(Image: PA)
The last public sighting of William and Harry together was in Windsor, walking with their wives shortly after their grandmother’s passing in September 2022. Since then, Harry has been openly critical of his Royal family, particularly William, in his shocking Netflix series and his explosive memoir, Spare, where he accused William of pushing him into a dog bowl during a disagreement over Meghan. Earlier this month, The Sunday Times reported that it’s unlikely William will forgive his younger brother anytime soon for his comments about wife Kate in Spare. One friend told the paper: “They are estranged, which is dreadfully sad”, while another revealed that Harry rarely comes up in conversation with William and explained: “This year his focus has very much been on his wife, his children and his father.” Prince Harry’s return to the UK comes just days before the 27th anniversary of his and Prince William’s late mother, Princess Diana’s tragic death. The beloved princess passed away on August 31, 1997, at the tender age of 36 in a fatal car crash in Paris, making tomorrow a sombre remembrance of her untimely passing. Harry has often paid tribute to his late mother, Diana, during his recent public appearances. This includes last month when he controversially accepted the Pat Tillman award at the ESPYs for his commendable work in establishing the successful Invictus Games for injured servicemen and women.
Princess Diana died on August 31, 1997
(Image: Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)
The brothers’ uncle, Lord Fellowes, who was laid to rest on Thursday, was married to Diana’s older sister, Jane, for over 45 years. They share three children Laura, Alexander and Eleanor who are all cousins of William and Harry. Notably, Laura is also the godmother to William and wife Kate’s only daughter, Princess Charlotte. Lord Fellowes served as private secretary to the late Queen in the 1990s, a tumultuous period that saw the breakdown of Charles and Diana’s marriage. He also provided counsel to the late monarch when Fergie and Prince Andrew’s marriage ended and Windsor Castle suffered a devastating fire, destroying 115 rooms in 1992. He continued in his role even when his sister-in-law, Diana, tragically lost her life in a Paris car crash at the age of 36. Despite a tense relationship with his sister-in-law due to his position as a palace courtier, he opened up after her sudden passing, revealing: “I was deeply fond of her. She was a very good person. She found it difficult in life to find happiness, and I’m sad for people who have that situation.” Kensington Palace declined to comment.Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnFergiePrince AndrewPrince HarryPrince WilliamPrincess CharlottePrincess DianaNetflix
