Exclusive
UNITED IN GRIEF
Prince Harry reunited with William and Charles for two hours after Philip’s funeral sparking hopes rift can be healed
PRINCE Harry was reunited with brother William for two hours after the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral — sparking hopes of peace between them.
They joined dad Charles for the first time since Harry and wife Meghan’s Oprah US TV interview threatened to tear the family apart.
🔵 Read our Prince Philip funeral live blog for the latest updates
23
23
23
Charles had private talks with his warring sons after the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral — and insiders say it is just what Philip would have wanted.
The three met up away from the cameras following Saturday’s televised service.
They remained together for two hours at Windsor Castle as they mingled with family members on its Quadrangle.
It sparked hopes that the devastating rift between the brothers could one day be healed.
Harry may now stay on for the Queen’s 95th birthday this Wednesday.
He has also said he will join his older brother for the unveiling of Princess Diana’s memorial statue at Kensington Palace.
Royal insiders hope the ceremony on July 1 could also help ease the rift as they stand together on what would have been their mother's 60th birthday.
23
23
23
A source said: “It’s early days but you’d hope this is exactly the first step Philip would have wished for.”
The brothers joined tearful Charles, 72, for the first time since Harry and wife Meghan’s bombshell US TV interview which threatened to tear the Royal Family apart.
Harry, 36, had accused William, 38, and Charles of being “trapped” in the Royal Family in a prerecorded chat with Oprah Winfrey.
Talks between the trio after details of the talk had been leaked were described as “unproductive”.
On Saturday millions watching on TV saw William and Harry speaking to each other as they walked side by side away from St George’s Chapel after the funeral.
They spoke for about four minutes — having been deliberately kept apart during the procession an hour earlier.
'SOLIDARITY & COMFORT'
A source said: “It is not known what was said behind closed doors and when the cameras were turned off, but it's unfathomable to think Megxit and Oprah did not come up.
“Harry and William appeared cordial as the cameras rolled and that seemed to pave the way for Charles to join them when everyone had left.”
Harry and William arrived at the Quadrangle together away from the TV cameras as the rest of the family chatted on the lawn.
Charles and Camilla, who had led the family on the walk back, strolled across the grass to speak to the princes.
Family members split into small groups and spoke two metres apart without their masks, offering “solidarity” and “comfort”, sources revealed.
The Queen retired to her private apartments with her Lady-in-Waiting Lady Susan Hussey immediately after the service.
Most of the other mourners who joined the Queen inside the chapel left the castle shortly after the 50-minute funeral.
23
23
23
The Duchess of Cornwall left by car without Charles at 5pm. But according to sources, the Prince of Wales and his sons stayed at the castle for an hour after Camilla departed.
Royal biographer Penny Junor said: “This was minutes after the funeral and they were all grieving in their own ways.
“There might have been some greetings. And even that is a positive start.
“There is a lot to be unravelled here. This is a falling-out that has gone on for a long time. They need the time, space and the trust.
“Harry should stay for the Queen’s birthday as it is the least he can do for his grandmother and it gives him even more opportunity to talk to his father and his brother.”
Cousin Peter Phillips, 43, was deliberately placed between Harry and William as senior royals took part in the eight-minute walk behind the coffin to the chapel.
23
23
23
The Queen had ordered no uniforms at the funeral to spare Harry's blushes.
He was stripped of his honorary military titles when he quit royal duties to live with Meghan and son Archie in the US.
The brothers sat opposite each other in the chapel as they paid their respects to Philip, who died ten days ago aged 99.
The Queen had to sit alone in the chapel as she watched her husband's coffin being lowered into the Royal Vault.
As they emerged from a porch at the chapel, Harry and the Duchess of Cambridge — both wearing masks — could be seen chatting.
Instead of taking cars laid on for their journey, the rest of the mourners left on foot.
23
23
23
William was seen turning and gesturing to Kate, 39, to follow.
Television footage showed the Duke of Cambridge clutch an order of service and remove his Covid-19 mask — then allow Harry to move alongside him.
The pair spoke softly as they made their way up the hill as Kate pulled back.
Prince Andrew and Sophie Wessex looked over their shoulders to keep an eye on the brothers who have barely spoken since Harry quit royal duties.
William turned his head towards Harry several times as if reacting to comments.
When the cameras were switched off, the brothers followed the family past the Round Tower and through the Norman Gate into the Quadrangle.
23
23
23
As William and Harry emerged together, Prince Charles — who had earlier been seen wiping away a tear — and Camilla walked over to speak with his sons.
It was the first time Harry had been with his family since the Commonwealth Day ceremony at Windsor Castle last March.
Buckingham Palace did not want to comment yesterday.
The Royal Family will continue to grieve this week — but the period of national mourning is over.
Most read in News
Details of their plans for today were not revealed.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
After almost 70 years as monarch, the Queen will now reign without her husband by her side.
Following the funeral, author and body language expert Judi James described the monarch as looking “very vulnerable and frail”.
23
23
23
23
23
Talks on The Firm's future
PRINCE Charles and Prince William will lead a summit to decide the future of the monarchy following the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.
The pair will discuss the prospect of a slimmed-down structure with fewer full-time working members of the Royal Family, what they should do and who they should be.
Prince Philip’s death leaves hundreds of his patronages vacant, while Harry’s decision to step back also sparked the discussion.
A source said: “The question is whether you start off by deciding how many patronages and engagements there should be or whether you decide how many people there should be.”
Prince Philip funeral - Prince Harry rejoins royals for his grandfather's funeral
Topics