Insights

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who had stepped back from royal duties prior to Queen Elizabeth II's death, experienced a significant family rift during the funeral proceedings. Initially invited to a royal event for world leaders the night before the funeral, their invitations were later rescinded, as the Palace clarified that the gathering was exclusive to "working members of the royal family." This decision reportedly left Prince Harry "absolutely furious and in tears," deepening the existing tensions within the family. On the day of the funeral, Harry and Meghan were excluded from a family briefing at Buckingham Palace, receiving briefing notes only late in the evening. Friends of the couple indicated that this exclusion was particularly hurtful for Harry. Ultimately, the couple chose not to attend the funeral to avoid potential awkwardness with Prince William, who had duties at the event. The Sunday Times reported that the couple's absence from the briefing meant they missed crucial family discussions before the service. Despite King Charles extending an invitation for Harry to stay at Buckingham Palace during his recent visit to the UK, Harry opted for a hotel instead, further illustrating the strained relationship between father and son. Amid ongoing security concerns following their departure from royal duties, Harry has been engaged in legal battles to regain police protection for himself and his family. While he believes his father could assist in this matter, palace sources have dismissed such claims as "wholly inaccurate."