Prince Harry has always had a strong connection with his late mother Diana, Princess of Wales’s family. Growing up, Diana had three siblings – her older sisters, Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, as well as her younger brother Charles, 9th Earl Spencer. Charles is the custodian of Diana’s childhood home, the Althorp estate in Northampton. Despite living in the US, Prince Harry discreetly flew to the UK to attend his uncle Lord Robert Fellowes’ funeral in Snettisham, Norfolk, along with his brother Prince William. Lord Fellowes, who was a former equerry to the late Queen Mother, was married to Diana’s sister, Lady Jane.
Harry reportedly stayed with his uncle Charles at Althorp during his visit, where his mother Diana’s resting place is located. Lord Fellowes’ funeral fell just three days before the 27th anniversary of Diana’s death on 31 August. The Spencer family has always been a source of support for William and Harry, especially during significant events in their lives. When they participated in their mother’s funeral cortège, their uncle Charles was there to support them, delivering a moving eulogy at the service.
While no senior royals were present at Harry’s Invictus Games tenth anniversary service in May, his aunt and uncle Lady Jane and Charles, along with his cousins, were in attendance. The Duke’s warm relationship with his aunts and uncles was also demonstrated when he and William unveiled a statue of Diana in the gardens at Kensington Palace in July 2021, marking what would have been their mother’s 60th birthday. The Spencers were also among the guests at Harry and Meghan’s royal wedding in 2018, with Lady Jane chosen to give a reading during the ceremony.
Harry’s aunts Lady Sarah and Lady Jane were also present at Prince Archie’s christening in Windsor in July 2019 and appeared in an official portrait to mark the occasion. The Duke even took his wife, Meghan, to visit Charles at Althorp. In the epilogue of his memoir, “Spare,” released in January 2023, Harry reminisced about the poignant moment he took Meghan to pay her respects at his mother’s grave. He described the emotional moment when they rowed a boat to the private island on the estate, with Uncle Charles giving them a little shove before waving goodbye.
By maintaining a close relationship with Diana’s family, Prince Harry continues to honor his mother’s memory and strengthen his ties with those who have supported him throughout his life. The bond between the Duke of Sussex and his aunts, uncles, and cousins remains a significant aspect of his life, showcasing the importance of family connections in times of both joy and sorrow. Princess Diana’s family continues to play a vital role in Prince Harry’s life, providing him with the love, support, and sense of belonging that he cherishes dearly.
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