On the poignant one-year anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's passing, Prince Harry made a discreet visit to her final resting place at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. This visit was particularly significant as it came amidst Harry's trip to the U.K. for a charity event, the WellChild Awards, scheduled for September 7.
Harry's journey to the U.K. in May was solely for his father's coronation, marking a notable absence of his wife, Meghan Markle. The couple's decision to step back from royal duties in 2020 and relocate to California has been a topic of much discussion and speculation. This recent visit to the Queen's grave was kept private, but sources indicate that other members of the royal family paid their respects on the same day.
The Duke of Sussex's relationship with the royal family has been under scrutiny, especially following the release of his memoir, "Spare." Royal expert Kinsey Schofield opined that Prince William and Kate Middleton are wary of engaging in candid conversations with Harry, given his past tendencies to publicize family disagreements. Schofield stated, "There is a severe lack of trust, and they don't want the conversation repeated to anyone." She further added that Prince William might be apprehensive about Harry's presence, especially during a time when the family is expected to publicly commemorate the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's demise.
Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch, passed away in September 2022 at the age of 96. Her death marked the end of an era and left a void in the hearts of many. Schofield highlighted the potential challenges Harry's presence might pose during this somber period, suggesting that he could inadvertently divert attention from the main focus. However, she also acknowledged Harry's commitment to philanthropy and wasn't surprised by his decision to attend the WellChild Awards.
It's anticipated that Harry will pay tribute to his late grandmother during his speech at the awards. Following this, he is expected to head to Düsseldorf to inaugurate the Invictus Games. Contrary to some speculations, the Duke is not likely to visit Balmoral during this trip.
The dynamics within the royal family have been a subject of global interest, especially following the Sussexes' decision to step back from their roles. As the family navigates the challenges of public life and personal relationships, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for reconciliation and understanding.
