Brothers at war princes William and Harry reunited this week as they came together at their uncle’s funeral.
The Duke of Sussex secretly flew into the UK for the service of Lord Robert Fellowes on Wednesday. the 82-year-old was married to the late Princess of Wales ‘ sister, Lady Jane, and was an uncle to Prince William and Prince Harry. He passed away earlier last month.
His funeral was held yesterday in Norfolk. Also present were the two brothers who have not spoken since another funeral – their beloved grandmother the Queen’s in 2022. Yesterday they are said to have been “discreet” with one another, a source told the Sun. Another attendee said: “We never saw them speak to each other and they kept their distance.”
The brothers together as the Queen’s coffin arrived in Westminster Hall, in 2022 ( Image: PA)
Last month former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond said Harry attending could throw up an “awkward” situation. She said at the time: “I imagine Harry will want to be at his uncle’s funeral… but his presence would cause all sorts of awkwardness if William attends too. It would be nice to think, though, two grown-up men could at least be in the same space… as they were at the Coronation, albeit briefly… without ruining an occasion of great sadness and solemnity.”
Lord Fellowes married Princess Diana’s older sister, Lady Jane, on April 20, 1978. They were married for more than 40 years and had three children – Laura, Alexander and Eleanor – who are all cousins of William and Harry. Laura is also godmother to William and Kate Middleton’s only daughter, Princess Charlotte.
Lord Fellowes was also private secretary to the late Queen in the 1990s, including when Charles and Diana’s marriage broke down. He also advised Her Majesty when Fergie and Prince Andrew’s marriage ended and Windsor Castle went up in flames, destroying 115 rooms in 1992. He was still in the role when his sister-in-law, Diana, tragically died in a Paris car crash at the age of 36.
His role as a palace courtier meant he often had a strained relationship with his sister-in-law, but when she died suddenly, he said: “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.”
Lord Fellowes was survived by his three children – Laura, Alexander and Eleanor, who are all cousins of William and Harry.
