Prince William & Harry ‘still have an awful long way to go’ to reconcile but funeral was a ‘turning point’, sources say
PRINCES William and Harry still have a long way to go to reconcile – but the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral was a “turning point”, sources said.
The Duke of Cambridge, 38, and the Duke of Sussex, 36, showed encouraging initial signs that their relationship can heal, they added.
Kate Middleton, 39, acted as a peace-keeper after Prince Philip’s funeral as the warring brothers were seen speaking.
One source told the Mirror: “It will take a long time to heal on all sides, but the initial signs are encouraging. It is very much hoped this is a turning point.”
Another source added: “It’s no secret tensions have been running incredibly high of late, not to mention the brothers have barely uttered a word to each other in many months.
“Perhaps with the Duke’s passing and their grandmother’s call for unity it could be the catalyst for a renewed relationship. Everyone certainly hopes so.”
It comes as…
- A sombre Queen sat alone on the “saddest and most difficult day” as she bid farewell to husband prince Philip
- Prince Harry and William shared a private chat as they left the funeral
- The brothers sat facing each other during the service at St George’s Chapel
- Meghan Markle left a handwritten note to Prince Philip
- The Duchess of Sussex watched the funeral from the US after not being able to fly to the UK for the service
- Prince Charles fought back tears at the emotional funeral
- Kate Middleton gave a touching nod to Diana and the Queen by wearing a pearl choker
- The Duke of Edinburgh’s coffin was lowered into the Royal Vault
One royal aide added that their “wounds are still very raw”.
They said: “There is a realisation that everyone does need to reach some form of resolution, if only for the Queen, who has said it is her wish that the family comes together.”
The brothers came face-to-face today at for the first time since Harry quit the royal family last year – and since his explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey.
Sources said the pair were “united in grief”, determined not to let anything get in the way of commemorating their grandfather at his funeral this afternoon.
The pair were kept 12ft apart as they walked behind Prince Philip‘s coffin, separated by Princess Anne’s son Peter Phillips, 43 – a pal of both.
And they sat opposite each other in St. George’s Chapel, Windsor.
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But the brothers, who both walked behind their mother Princess Diana’s coffin in 1997, shared a private moment and chatted after the service.
Body language analyst Adrianne Carter said: “Kate seemed to take the lead in chatting, but when the brothers started to walk together it was entirely natural with no sign of stress or discord in their companionship. There was no forced show and no sign of avoiding each other.
“In fact William paused so Harry could walk up the hill with them. It looks to me like grief has reunited them.”