Despite an apparent snub at a recent funeral, Prince Harry is reportedly looking to extend an olive branch to his brother, Prince William, and sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales. This development comes as Harry’s birthday approaches, rekindling memories of past celebrations and familial bonds.
The two princes were both present at the funeral of Robert Fellowes in Norfolk on Wednesday, marking a rare joint appearance since their relationship became strained. However, observers noted that the brothers kept their distance during the service.
A local attendee told The Sun, “William and Harry were both there but we never saw them speak to each other and they were keeping their distance.” Reports suggest that the princes arrived “very discreetly” and sat apart at the back of St Mary’s Church.
This event marked the first time the brothers were in the same room since King Charles’s Coronation in May 2023, highlighting the ongoing tension within the royal family.
Despite the apparent coldness at the funeral, sources close to Prince Harry indicate he is contemplating reaching out to his family, particularly as his birthday nears. An expert speaking to OK! magazine revealed, “With Harry’s birthday fast approaching, he has been speaking about maybe reaching out to Kate because it’s on milestones like this when he really misses her. She helped plan his 30th birthday and he feels bad that she won’t be involved and would love to catch up with her and see how everything is.”
The source’s comments suggest that Harry not only wishes to mend fences with his brother but also misses his relationship with Kate Middleton. The Princess of Wales has often been seen as a mediating force between the brothers in the past, and her absence from Harry’s life appears to be felt keenly by the Duke of Sussex.
Harry’s presence at the funeral was itself noteworthy, as he was initially expected to miss the service due to security concerns. His decision to “discreetly” travel to the UK for the event could be interpreted as a step towards reconciliation, despite the apparent lack of interaction with William during the service.
The brothers’ strained relationship has been a subject of intense media scrutiny and public interest since Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, stepped back from their roles as senior royals in 2020. Their subsequent move to the United States and high-profile interviews, including a controversial sit-down with Oprah Winfrey, have further complicated family dynamics.
As Harry’s birthday approaches, royal watchers and the public alike will be keen to see if any progress is made in healing the rift between the once-close brothers. The potential for peace talks, particularly involving Kate Middleton, offers a glimmer of hope for those wishing to see a reconciliation within the royal family.