Unlikely for William and Harry’s ‘Frost’ to Thaw Due to Uncle’s Funeral

Some analysts express doubt that the passing of Robert Fellowes will resolve the tense relationship between Prince William and Prince Harry. Robert Fellowes, who was the uncle of the two princes and the husband of Princess Diana’s elder sister, Jane Fellowes, passed away on July 29, 2024. Amid speculation that both princes might attend Fellowes’ funeral, and perhaps converse after years of silence, some authors and royal experts believe such a reunion is unlikely.

In an interview with OK!, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond discussed the possibility of Fellowes’ funeral bridging the gap between William and Harry, considering past events where they were both present.

“I think we have learned by now that nothing seems likely to thaw the frost between William and Harry,” she explained. “We thought the funeral of [Prince Philip] the Duke of Edinburgh might be a turning point. Similarly, it seemed highly likely that the queen’s funeral would unite the family. And then we had the coronation.”

“None of these once-in-a-lifetime events have managed to mend the rift between the brothers,” she continued, referring to their meetings in 2021, 2022, and 2023, which did little to heal their relationship.

Bond also observed that the brothers were “appeared civil” despite their strained relationship when they unveiled a statue of Diana alongside their maternal aunts and uncle in 2021, possibly to maintain cordiality for their relatives’ sake.

Royal biographer Ingrid Seward and former royal correspondent Richard Palmer discussed the potential impact of Fellowes’ death on William and Harry’s relationship on True Royalty TV’s The Royal Beat.

“Inevitably, there’s speculation,” Palmer remarked while noting that a former senior royal aide remains hopeful. They suggested it might be an opportunity for reconciliation if both attend the funeral.

“I can’t see it myself,” Palmer stated. “I can see them going to the funeral. But I just think that the rift between them is so deep at the moment.”

Seward concurred, stating that it is improbable for Fellowes’ funeral to mark the beginning of reconciliation between the brothers. “I don’t think that would happen,” she commented. “They’re not going to start arguing at a funeral.”

She further elaborated: “I don’t think that’s the moment for a makeup. Obviously, you’ll be nice to your brother, you won’t be rude. But being pushed together too much is the last thing you want.”

If Harry attends the funeral, it might create an “awkward” situation, according to Bond, especially if both he and William are present.

“I imagine Harry will want to be at his uncle’s funeral,” she commented. “But his presence would cause all sorts of awkwardness if William attends too.”

“It would be nice to think, though, that two grown-up men could at least be in the same space, as they were at the coronation,” she added. “Albeit briefly, without ruining an occasion of great sadness and solemnity.”

Source: Mirror, Newsweek