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Reports emerging this week suggest that Prince Harry traveled to England alone to attend the funeral of his late uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes. The private funeral took place at St. Mary's church in Norfolk on March 10th. Harry reportedly snuck out to attend without informing his wife, Meghan Markle, stoking further speculation about growing tensions within the royal family.
Lord Fellowes was married to Princess Diana's sister, Lady Jane Spencer, and both Harry and his brother Prince William considered him a close family member. His funeral presented a rare opportunity for the brothers to be reunited on British soil, albeit in a privately setting away from the public eye. While the location afforded privacy and tight security, Harry's decision to keep Meghan in the dark and attend solo has raised eyebrows and cast further scrutiny on the state of his marriage.
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The rift between Harry and the rest of the royal family has been well documented since he and Meghan stepped back from their roles as senior working royals in 2020. The brothers, once incredibly close, have been estranged for over two years amid rumours of a fallout sparked by Harry's marriage and eventual move abroad. Rarely seen together since "Megxit," Lord Fellowes' funeral seemed to offer a chance for reconciliation. However, eyewitnesses at the service reported Harry and William kept their distance and did not interact, suggesting the divide remains deep-rooted despite proximity.
Harry's choice to leave Meghan at home without notice has intensified speculation that he is prioritizing his relationship with William and the extended family over his marriage. As an outspoken advocate for her husband who was often painted as the catalyst for their departure from royal duties, many believe Meghan would be devastated by her husband's apparent willingness to leave her out of such an important family event without discussion. Her supporters argue this latest snub further underscores the less than warm welcome she has received from the royal establishment since joining the family.
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Since relocating to California, both Harry and Meghan have faced intense media scrutiny of their marriage and ongoing disputes with "The Firm" as the public eagerly follows the biggest royal family drama in decades. While the couple has argued they merely sought privacy and autonomy, their decision to abandon senior roles was met with criticism by some who feel they wanted the perks of royalty without the responsibilities. In the transatlantic "Megxit" debate, Meghan in particular has borne the brunt of vitriol as popular perceptions paint her as manipulating Harry for fame and fortune away from the family's influence.
To the duchess' defenders, this narrative ignores the relentless racism and sexism they believe she has endured from UK press coverage and online trolls since the beginnings of her and Harry's romance. They point to studies showing the extreme negativity of Meghan's coverage, even compared to other royalty, as proof she has been an unwitting scapegoat for deeper societal prejudices. With the royals and British tabloids historically perceived as an "old boys club," some see the attacks on Meghan as a means of othering her as an outsider for transgressing traditional expectations as the first mixed-race royal.
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Regardless of which side of these complex cultural issues one falls on, Harry's attendance at the funeral alone has catapulted speculation about his marriage and family rift back to the forefront. Close examination shows he attended without the only other core member of his nuclear family at a time when rumors of troubles have already swirled. While supporters argue this reflects his autonomous decision-making, it remains unclear if Meghan will see it the same way given her stated commitment to being a united front.
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Without clarity on what truly passed between Harry and the royals behind closed doors, the public is left to read between tightly controlled royal lines and weigh complex issues around identity, culture, and dysfunctional family dynamics playing out on a global stage. For now, all eyes remain on whether this private reunion will serve to mend or worsen the deep divisions that have come to define Harry's relationship with his once closest confidant and the institution they were both born into. Only time will tell if their uncle's funeral becomes a turning point or another marker in the slow dissolve of brotherly bonds.
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