On Friday, September 8, Prince Harry made an unannounced visit to the gravesite of Queen Elizabeth II at St George’s Chapel inside Windsor Castle, marking a year since her passing.
Subsequent to Harry’s visit, Prince William and his wife Kate were due to attend a memorial service for the late monarch at that same chapel.
Images capturing Prince Harry’s exit from the chapel became public on social media platforms right before the memorial service’s commencement.
Though the chapel is generally open for public visits, Prince Harry’s presence there was unforeseen.
At the same time, Prince William was engaged at a pre-set event in Wales, a location about 230 miles away. The news of this event came to light shortly after the images of Harry’s visit were shared on the internet.
This unexpected visit is among several instances that have showcased the apparent tensions between Prince Harry and the broader royal family.
A palace spokesperson, representing the King, decided against commenting on the visit. However, insiders from the palace underscored that it’s not uncommon for members of the royal family to pay their private respects at the chapel. They suggested that the King didn’t find any issues with Harry’s visit.
Currently, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan live in California, but he was in the U.K. for a few charity-related events.
The previous night, he attended the WellChild Awards in London. Recalling the past year, he mentioned that he couldn’t attend the awards because of his grandmother’s passing. He believed Queen Elizabeth would have valued his presence at these events, underscoring the significance of community unity.
There has been a marked tension between Prince William and Prince Harry, particularly after Harry’s decision to step back from official royal duties.
Prince Harry’s book, “Spare,” further intensified the rift. In it, he discusses disagreements with Prince William and shares personal insights about Kate, Prince William’s wife.