Princess Diana’s Family Driving Prince Harry and William’s Reconciliation

Spencers lead Harry and William reconciliation efforts

Friends of Princess Diana’s birth family, the Spencers, have shared with The Daily Beast that Prince William’s decision to attend Robert Fellowes’ funeral service, aware that Prince Harry would also be present, has provided a “glimmer of hope” amidst a prolonged impasse.

The Spencer family is notably “working hard to get the brothers to reconcile.”

According to a friend of the Spencers, one of Britain’s oldest aristocratic families, “It was likely that a funeral would bring the boys together under one roof. The fact that William didn’t avoid it due to Harry’s presence casts a hopeful light in a deeply depressing stalemate.”

“They both adore Jane [Lady Jane Fellowes, Princess Diana’s elder sister and Robert Fellowes’ widow], and it’s right they were both there out of respect to her. Important family events like this remind us that blood is thicker than water. This mature act indicates their private disagreements won’t overshadow such occasions.”

Another close associate and neighbor of the Spencers shared, “Behind the scenes, the Spencers are striving to mend the relationship between the brothers. They understand William’s feelings of betrayal, but also recognize Harry’s stance, influenced by how Diana was treated by the Windsors.”

Referring to Robert’s role as a key advisor and private secretary to the queen before and after Diana’s death, which often put him at odds with his wife’s birth family, the source added, “Robert and Jane had to balance those loyalties their whole lives.”

The friend further mentioned, “Harry remains very close to his mother’s family. If anyone can mediate between the brothers, it will be Jane.”

According to both friends, it is unclear if Harry attempted to speak to William in person or by phone following Robert’s service. However, they believe it unlikely. Reports suggest Harry’s latest communication—a note wishing Princess Kate a speedy recovery from cancer—went unanswered by William and Kate.

Friends of William accuse Harry and Meghan Markle of continuing to antagonize them, such as by refusing to use the Princess of Wales’s preferred name, Catherine.

Observers noted that the brothers stood apart and did not interact during Fellowes’ service at St Mary’s Church in Snettisham, near the royal Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.

Telling no tales

Recently, it was announced that Harry is not adding any salacious new revelations to the paperback edition of “Spare,” scheduled for fall release. This move is seen as conciliatory, with Richard Eden of the Daily Mail stating that Harry’s decision to avoid additional media interviews is an effort to ease tensions.

The New York Post reports that Harry and Meghan have also decided against publishing another book, despite having a deal for one. If true, this could be a notable step towards reconciliation, especially considering their previous threats to continue publishing. Harry mentioned to one interviewer that the book could have been turned into two, while Meghan told The Cut she could “say anything” after leaving the family.

“You are the Princess of Wales, you do not do things like that!”

An outburst from Prince Charles towards Princess Diana after she and Sarah Ferguson dressed as policewomen for Prince Andrew’s bachelor party is detailed in Diana memorabilia collector Renae Plant’s new book,” It’s All About The Hair: My Decade With Diana,” as reported by the Mail on Sunday. “Charles was not amused and was screaming and shouting at Diana the next morning, telling her she should not act in such a manner as the Princess of Wales.”

Another incident of Charles shouting was when Diana danced on stage at the Royal Opera House with Wayne Sleep as a birthday surprise, to which the crowd reacted wildly but Charles was furious.

Queen Elizabeth was also “furious” when Diana debuted an elaborate hairdo at a State Opening of Parliament, diverting attention away from royal duties. Diana then vowed her hair would stop being a centerpiece.

Richard Dalton, Diana’s hairdresser on royal tours from 1983 to 1991, described attaching a tiara to her head using knicker elastic to ease headaches, and washing her hair over a kitchen sink. Dalton mentioned how Diana confided in him about all aspects of her life. “Listening to her and making her feel beautiful and confident was my role,” he said.

Diana was also a fan of the eighties series “Dynasty” and made Dalton recount episodes she missed due to commitments. “She loved to listen with her favorite confectioneries: Opal Fruits and Nestlé white chocolate,” Dalton added.

Dalton witnessed Diana’s genuine love for Charles and believed things could have been different if Camilla had stayed away post-marriage. Despite keeping many secrets, Dalton never kept a lock of Diana’s hair, only having one photograph of them together, taken when they exited a plane.

The plans for Harry’s return to royal life

As reported by The Daily Beast, Prince Harry has sought advice from former aides to facilitate a return to royal life, though not a permanent move back from California. The Sussexes recently parted ways with American PR adviser Christine Weil Schirmer after chief of staff Josh Kettler’s departure.

“Harry is reconsidering his approach, turning from Hollywood publicists to trusted old friends for advice,” a source told the paper, describing changes in his strategy.

The Mail reports that one trusted adviser has developed a plan for Harry to carry out low-key royal duties. This plan aims for Harry to rebuild public trust by quietly attending mundane events without publicity.

The execution of this plan would depend on whether some family members could allow it, the source added.

Holiday time

King Charles recently attended the Royal Horticultural Society of Aberdeen’s 200th Summer Flower Show in Duthie Park. Wearing a kilt, Charles arrived to the sound of bagpipes. Although he is on vacation in Scotland, The Daily Beast revealed he is staying at Birkhall rather than Balmoral Castle, engaging in painting and gardening.

This week in royal history

September 6, 1997, marked the funeral of Princess Diana.

Unanswered questions

How receptive are the royals, particularly Prince William, to Prince Harry’s reported efforts to reintegrate into royal duties?

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Source: The Daily Beast, Mail on Sunday, Daily Mail, New York Post