Despite the ongoing rift between Prince Harry and members of the Royal Family, including Prince William and King Charles, the Duke of Sussex remains in close contact with some of his family members, particularly the Spencer side of his lineage. The tension between Harry and the Royal Family has been well-documented since his move to the U.S. in 2020, but his relationship with his late mother Princess Diana’s family appears to be a source of comfort.
Prince Harry recently traveled to the UK to attend the memorial service of his uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes, who passed away on July 29. While in the country, Harry reportedly stayed with his uncle Charles Spencer at Althorp House, the historic Spencer family estate and the childhood home of Princess Diana. Althorp is also where Diana was laid to rest, on a secluded island within the Round Oval Lake following her tragic death in 1997.
Jennie Bond, the former BBC Royal correspondent, shared insights into Harry’s connection with the Spencer family. Reflecting on Diana’s legacy, she told OK!, “When Diana’s coffin arrived back at Althorp and the gates closed behind the hearse, Earl Spencer said simply: ‘Diana is home.’ And he has clearly honored his pledge that her blood family would allow William and Harry to experience as many different aspects of life as possible and to let their souls sing openly as she had planned.”
Bond highlighted the continued bond between Harry and his mother’s family, despite the broader tensions with the Windsor side. “Quietly, behind the scenes, it is obvious that the Spencer family has kept the communication channels open with Harry and that their affection for him is reciprocated,” she explained. “I’m sure Harry feels it’s important that he still has some kind of anchor here in the UK, and, for now at least, it seems that it is with his aunts and uncle. And that has to be a positive thing”, via The Mirror.
During the memorial, both Prince Harry and his brother Prince William attended, but they notably avoided interaction. Bond pointed out that this avoidance underscores the importance of Harry’s relationship with the Spencers, especially given the strained ties with the Windsors. “It’s much better that Harry has some links with his UK family, even if reconciliation with the Windsor side may be a long way off, if indeed it is possible,” Bond added.
While reconciliation with his royal relatives remains uncertain, Harry’s ongoing connection with the Spencers provides a vital link to his roots in the UK.