Prince Harry and Prince William surprisingly attend uncle’s funeral but ‘keep their distance’: report

Prince Harry attended his uncle’s funeral this week alongside his brother Prince William, surprising many as it was previously believed Harry would not attend the ceremony.

The funeral will mark the first time both brothers have been held under the same roof since the coronation of their father, King Charles, in May 2023.

The Post confirmed that Harry attended a service for the late Lord Robert Fellowes at St. Mary’s Church in the English town of Snettisham, located in the county of Norfolk, on Wednesday, August 28. Lord Fellowes was the brother-in-law of his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, and lived in Norfolk.

An insider told the Post that Prince Harry went to the funeral “in a personal capacity,” adding that his visit was not extended. He flew in for the funeral and left shortly after, the source added.

It’s rare for the two brothers to be in the same room at the same time, yet they appear to have made no significant progress in melting the ice between them.

A Norfolk local told The Sun: “William and Harry were both there but we never saw them talk to each other and they were keeping their distance.”

Another person who was at the service told the outlet, “I had no idea they were there. They arrived very discreetly.”

Still, some may see Harry and William’s near-reunion as a ray of hope. Confirming the news, a close family friend reportedly told The Sun that they are “very pleased to confirm both princes will be there.”

Aside from Harry’s strained relationship with his brother, the Duke’s attendance was a surprise, as it was previously believed he would not attend the ceremony due to security concerns.

The royal family has often said that he feels unsafe bringing his family to Britain without receiving security protection from the British government. He has been embroiled in a long-running legal battle with the government over being denied official police protection after stepping down as a senior working member of the royal family in January 2020.

Lord Fellowes died on 29 July at the age of 82. The cause of his death has not been revealed.

Married to Lady Jane Spencer, the older sister of Diana, Princess of Wales, Fellowes began working in the royal household in 1977. He married Jane the following year. In 1981, Diana married King Charles, who was then Prince of Wales.

Lord Fellowes became Private Secretary to Queen Elizabeth II in 1990, a post he held until 1999. Diana died in August 1997.

A representative for the Duke of Sussex did not comment on his visit. The Post has also contacted Kensington Palace for comment.