The royal rift between Prince Harry and his dad King Charles takes an uglier turn as the family prepares to mourn Robert Fellowes without one key member. Robert, a one-time press secretary to the late Queen Elizabeth II passed away on July 29, 2024, leaving behind his wife Lady Jane Fellowes. Given his connection to the royal family as Princess Diana’s brother-in-law, royal observers speculated that Prince William and Harry would attend his private funeral to pay their last respects to their uncle. However, Harry’s worsening rift with his family stands in the way of his speculated UK appearance.
Amid the speculations, news outlets reported that Prince Harry would not attend Robert Fellowes’ funeral later this month. Many attributed this to the prevailing security concerns following the 40-year-old’s lost bid to maintain his Metropolitan Police security despite stepping back from his duties as a senior royal. However, his decision not to attend goes beyond security concerns.
Friends Concerned as Prince Harry Moves to Ditch Late Uncle’s Funeral
Speaking to The Daily Beast, one source close to the Duke of Sussex confirmed that he had no plans to return to the UK for his uncle’s funeral for “a multitude of reasons.” The insider cited Prince Harry’s planned visit to Colombia this week, alongside his wife Meghan Markle, to support a cause combating violence against children. Another friend added,
“It’s just all very sad. The idea that he wouldn’t be there to support Jane in her grief would have been unimaginable a few years ago.”
Another prevalent reason hindering Prince Harry’s UK visit is his “deteriorating” relationship with his dad King Charles. Earlier, a source claimed this relationship has “deteriorated to a new low level.” This compounding feud rests partly on Harry and Meghan’s UK security withdrawal. While Prince Harry reportedly believes his father could intervene in his case against the Home Office and help reinstate his security, palace sources clarified King Charles had no such authority.
Regardless, this beef with the British monarch and the rest of the royal family plays a part in Prince Harry’s inability to pay his last respects to Robert Fellowes and support his aunt at the upcoming funeral.
