Prince Harry was embraced by members of Princess Diana’s family at the Invictus Games celebrations, where he reunited with his uncle Earl Spencer and aunt Lady Jane Fellowes, who attended the event to mark ten years of the charity Harry founded. Despite being shunned by his father King Charles and brother Prince William, Harry found solace in his mother’s family, who were supportive and affectionate towards him. Sources revealed that Harry values family, regardless of which side they are from, and remained hopeful for a reunion with his immediate family.
Accompanied by his cousins Lara Spencer, Louis Spencer, and George McCorquodale, Harry joined Diana’s family members for a reception following a service at St Paul’s Cathedral, which was also attended by actor Damien Lewis. The atmosphere between Harry and his relatives was described as sweet and loving. Meanwhile, Charles hosted a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on the same day, with several senior royals, including Queen Camilla and Princess Anne in attendance. Despite Harry’s attempts to reach out to his father, sources revealed that Charles had been too busy to meet with his son.
Harry has been candid about the emotional toll from losing his mother at a young age, revealing that his Afghanistan tour in 2012 triggered past traumas surrounding Diana’s death. He struggled with suppressing his emotions for years until they eventually surfaced, leaving him feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed. Earl Spencer’s emotional tribute to Diana at her funeral in 1997 highlighted the connection between the Spencer family and Harry, promising to support him in his royal role while encouraging him to experience different facets of life. Harry maintains a close relationship with the Spencer side of his family, visiting them during his trips to the UK.
During a visit to Diana’s childhood home at Althorp in 2022, Harry and Meghan Markle spent time with his relatives, including visiting Diana’s final resting place on an island at the estate. Despite being in the US, Harry remains connected to his family in the UK, attending events like Prince Archie’s christening in 2019 alongside Diana’s sisters and other royals. Harry also reconnected with old friends, including army officer Mark Dyer, who served as a mentor to him. After a brief meeting with Charles following his cancer diagnosis in February, Harry is set to travel to Nigeria with Meghan for a state visit, marking his first trip back to the UK since then.
Overall, the relationship between Prince Harry and his family, particularly his father and brother, remains strained, with Harry finding support and warmth from Princess Diana’s side of the family. Despite the challenges he faces as he tries to reconcile with his immediate family, Harry remains hopeful for a reunion and values the importance of family connections. By sharing his struggles with mental health and trauma from his mother’s death, Harry has shed light on the emotional impact it has had on his life. Through his continued interactions with his aunt, uncle, and cousins, Harry maintains a strong bond with the Spencer family and keeps Diana’s memory alive through their shared experiences and connections.
