Prince Harry and Prince William reunite at their uncle Robert Fellowes’ funeral but it wasn't as expected

LONDON, UK: Prince William and Prince Harry had a brief and distant reunion at the funeral of their uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes, on August 28, 2024.

Despite their presence at the somber event, there was no indication of a reconciliation between the estranged brothers.

A family friend confirmed that both princes attended the service, but they were seated separately at the back of the venue, maintaining a noticeable distance from one another, as reported by OK Magazine.

Prince Harry and Prince William’s estrangement evident at uncle’s funeral

Sources from The Sun revealed that both William and Harry "arrived very discreetly" and avoided speaking to one another throughout the ceremony. An attendee remarked, "William and Harry were both there, but we never saw them speak to each other, and they kept their distance."

Harry, who lives in California with his wife Meghan Markle, had initially been uncertain about attending due to the ongoing "royal family drama."

Sources mentioned that while Harry's presence would typically be expected, the current tensions might have influenced his decision to attend despite the potential for added drama.

Since stepping away from royal duties in 2020, Harry has openly criticized his brother, 42, in his memoir 'Spare' and in the Netflix docuseries 'Harry & Meghan.'

“The death will be a huge blow to the Spencer family. In normal times it would be unimaginable that Harry would not be there to support (his aunt) Jane. Of course, he would want to be there," a source told The Daily Beast.

Former royal butler Grant Harrold expressed hope for a future reconciliation, stating, "I still think they will reconcile at one point as they get older. Family fallouts are common but there’s always part of you that wants to fix it, even though it may not be the same relationship as it was before."

He added, "I understand how it happened, family fallouts are common but there’s always part of you that wants to fix it even though it may not be the same relationship as it was before." 

The royal brothers are scheduled to be in New York City for separate engagements in September, but insiders suggest that their strained relationship leaves little chance for a meeting during their trips.

The ongoing tension between the siblings continues to cast a shadow over their family gatherings.

Prince Harry and Prince William's distance at Uncle’s funeral sparks online debate

The recent attendance of Prince Harry and Prince William at their uncle Lord Robert Fellowes' funeral has ignited a flurry of reactions on social media.

The brothers, who have been distant for some time, were seen keeping their distance during the August 28, 2024, service, prompting a wave of online commentary from royal watchers and fans alike.

One user expressed sadness over the ongoing family rift, stating, "So sad they can’t just be friends! But, I believe they are each equally responsible. They need to forgive and forget and just make peace for their mother’s sake if nothing else! Life is too short to not value your family!"

In contrast, another user defended William’s position, noting, "Harry left the family and caused a lot of damage. William has a wife with cancer, three kids, a father with cancer, and royal duties to perform. He doesn’t have time for Harry’s games. It’s sad because they are brothers, but this might be best for them or at least for the foreseeable future."

"This is a sad situation both need to talk to each other. All families have disagreements. Their mother has turned over several times with this hot mess," one user wrote.

Another user wrote, "They need to grow up. They have only each other. Mom has passed; they have no other siblings. Let stuff go."

Despite the tension, there were calls for healing. "Very sad. They have both been through so much. To have so much hatred for a woman based off of what it seems public opinion is wild. Harry and Meghan seem happy. William and Kate seem happy. Let the public think and feel how they want, but a bond like those two once had can surely be repaired. Prayers to both of them," one user said. [sic]

Reflecting on their mother’s legacy, another user remarked, "Diana would be so upset about Prince William and Harry," while another suggested, "Diana would be upset.... But Harry seems to be like her—wants to be more himself and not so much royalty. She never felt included... He chose his wife and life... May they be happy whatever happens." [sic]

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.