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Opinion: Why Prince Harry is still alone despite reuniting with Princess Diana’s family

King Charles was busy hosting a Buckingham Palace garden party, but it seems there was not even after work drinks or a supper catch-up. I wonder why?

Prince Harry attends Invictus Games service in London

Opinion: Pictures of an elated Prince Harry hugging his mum’s side of the family went viral this week, after his father and brother were apparently “too busy” to see him during his visit to the UK to mark the tenth anniversary of the Invictus Games.

The US-based Duke made it known that the royals were all invited, but not one attended the service at St Paul’s Cathedral, with his PR team pre-empting their absence with a statement to say their work diaries clashed.

King Charles did have a busy afternoon hosting a Buckingham Palace garden party, but it seems there was not even after work drinks or a supper catch-up for father and his son, or the two brothers.

I wonder why?

Prince William, Camilla, King Charles and Prince Harry in better times in 2014. Picture: Getty Images
Prince William, Camilla, King Charles and Prince Harry in better times in 2014. Picture: Getty Images

With father and son just five kilometres apart on the same day – never has the gulf between the two seemed so glaringly obvious.

However, Harry could not hide his delight at seeing the Spencer clan at the St Paul’s service.

It must have been a relief not to have to sit on his own, what with his wife Meghan absent – again.

The Duke of Sussex meets members of the public as he departs The Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service at St Paul's Cathedral. Picture: Getty Images
The Duke of Sussex meets members of the public as he departs The Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service at St Paul's Cathedral. Picture: Getty Images

He may have hoped those hugs with his uncles and aunts were a bit of a PR coup. See this is what my other family is like?

But go back 10 years to the launch of the Invictus Games, and pictures show Harry flanked by all the top tier royals, Charles, Camilla and William, all smiling and laughing together.

Prince Harry hugs Charles Spencer at St Paul's Cathedral.
Prince Harry hugs Charles Spencer at St Paul's Cathedral.
Prince Harry and Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer during The Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service at St Paul's Cathedral. Picture: Instagram
Prince Harry and Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer during The Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service at St Paul's Cathedral. Picture: Instagram

That was before Meghan, Megxit, the Oprah interview, where it was insinuated the royals were “racists”, the “poor us” $100 million Netflix deal and finally the “poor me” memoir Spare.

Prince Harry chats to Earl Spencer and Lady Sarah McCorquodale after the Service to celebrate the life of his mum in 2007.
Prince Harry chats to Earl Spencer and Lady Sarah McCorquodale after the Service to celebrate the life of his mum in 2007.

And, let’s not pretend the Spencers are the Waltons either.

The thrice married Earl Spencer has had his own family issues, with both he and Diana revealing they had traumatic childhoods.

He did not attend his own daughter’s wedding in 2021, sparking rumours of a falling out.

That was never mentioned in Harry’s memoir.

A friendly uncle and loving aunts can never replace a father and a brother.

Admit that you hurt them Harry, and just say sorry?

Originally published as Opinion: Why Prince Harry is still alone despite reuniting with Princess Diana’s family

Julie Cross
Julie CrossNational Social Affairs Reporter

Julie Cross is the national social affairs reporter for the Daily Telegraph, Sunday Telegraph, Herald Sun, Courier Mail and Adelaide Advertiser. She writes about aged care, child care, women's issues, disability, education, family and consumer trends and immigration. She has previously written for British and Irish national newspapers. If you have a story contact her at julie.cross@news.com.au

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/opinion-why-prince-harry-is-still-alone-despite-reuniting-with-princess-dianas-family/news-story/ad45c68a46e747c07dff2b6b019c1ea7