As the British royal family continues to navigate a period of significant change, new insights into Prince Harry's perspective on his late mother's potential views have emerged. According to sources close to the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry believes that Princess Diana, who died in 1997, would have supported his decision to step back from royal duties.
An insider revealed to Star magazine, "Harry was scarred by what his mother went through, and when he saw the same thing happening to Meghan, he knew he must act." The source continued, "He's certain his mother would have approved of him leaving the royal family. Diana had tried to do the same, and he thinks she would be proud of him and his new life."
This perspective, however, stands in stark contrast to what sources claim about Prince William's views. The same insider suggested that the Prince of Wales "thinks their mother would be appalled by Harry abandoning his family," particularly in light of Harry's public revelations about family conflicts in his memoir "Spare" and the Netflix series "Harry & Meghan."
The differing interpretations of Diana's potential reactions highlight the ongoing rift between the brothers. Royal expert Katie Nicholl told Entertainment Tonight, "Relations between the Sussexes and the Wales remains at an all-time low. I'm told that William and Harry really are not even on speaking terms."
This tension was recently exemplified by Harry's decision to decline an invitation to a high-profile wedding where both brothers were invited. Nicholl explained, "There's a big society wedding in the U.K. tomorrow, and both brothers were invited. Harry very diplomatically declined the invite, because he knew it would just be too awkward for him to be even in a venue as large as Chester Cathedral with his brother." The wedding in question was that of Hugh Grosvenor, 7th Duke of Westminster, to Olivia Henson, which took place on Friday, June 7.
The source noted that despite Grosvenor being "close friends of both William and Harry" and godfather to both Prince Archie and Prince George, Harry felt it best not to attend. Nicholl added, "I think he was in a very difficult position when it came to invitations, and of course, seating plans and everything else."
As the anniversary of Diana's birth approaches, both princes are likely to feel the weight of her absence keenly. "Diana's birthday is painful for Harry and William both," the source told Star. "For Harry, he thinks about what could have been, and William is reminded of being without her from such a young age. The loss of their mother cuts deep."
The diverging paths of the two princes and their interpretations of their mother's legacy continue to fascinate the public and fuel discussions about the nature of duty, family, and personal happiness within the context of royal life. As both William and Harry forge ahead with their respective choices, the shadow of Diana's influence remains a powerful force in shaping their decisions and public personas.
Additional context from recently uncovered personal letters of Princess Diana provides insight into her early experiences as a royal. These letters, set to be auctioned, reveal Diana's initial optimism about her marriage and motherhood, contrasting sharply with the challenges she would later face. This historical perspective adds depth to the ongoing narrative of the princes' relationship with their mother's memory and legacy.
