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Prince Harry gesture is latest move in new protocol after Meghan Markle and Prince Andrew messages

The Duke of Sussex celebrated his 40th birthday at the weekend

Prince Harry’s public birthday messages from royal social media account appears to be the latest move in a new protocol for the Firm.

Breaking two years of public silence, both Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace sent the Duke of Sussex their well wishes, as he prepared to celebrate his milestone birthday in the US with his family.

 

The Firm’s chose a picture from a visit to a start-up in Dublin in 2018 when Prince Harry was still a working royal.

However, the picture did not include his wife, Meghan Markle who was with him at the event and was seemingly cropped out by the photographer at the time.

The Royal Family have made the new move

PA

It has been stressed privately that, while the Royal Family don’t mark non-working royal birthdays on their social media, the post was in line with the “tradition” of sending public good wishes on “significant” birthdays.

It is the same protocol being done to mark Meghan Markle and Prince Andrew’s 40th and 60th birthday’s, respectively.

Daily Mail diary editor, Richard Eden, wrote on social media: “This is intriguing: Buckingham Palace has previously said birthday wishes were sent on social media only to ‘working royals’.”

Harry, who lives in California after stepping down from the working monarchy, spent his birthday on Sunday with the Duchess of Sussex and their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

When the King’s shock health news was announced in February, Harry made a transatlantic dash to see him but his meeting with his father was kept to just 45 minutes.

In comments released to the BBC, the duke said “I was anxious about 30, I’m excited about 40”, and described how fatherhood had given him a renewed sense of purpose to make “this world a better place”.

Harry’s year has seen him try his hand at the skeleton bobsled when he joined Invictus Games competitors training in Canada, and undertake quasi-royal tours to Colombia and Nigeria. In Colombia, Meghan addressed a panel on Afro-Descendant Women and Power and told how her three-year-old daughter Lili had “absolutely found her voice”.

The couple also relaunched their Archewell website, rebranding it as Sussex.com under the title The Office of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex

The Duke told the BBC: “Becoming a father of two incredibly kind and funny kids has given me a fresh perspective on life, as well as sharpening my focus in all my work.”

“Being a dad is one of life’s greatest joys and has only made me more driven and more committed to making this world a better place.”

 

King Charles and Queen Camilla defended after being dragged into Meghan photo-cropping row

King Charles and Queen Camilla defended after being dragged into Meghan photo-cropping row

PA

It is understood that Buckingham Palace did not crop the Duchess of Sussex out of a photograph

King Charles and Queen Camilla have been defended after being dragged into a Meghan Markle photo-cropping row.

It is understood that Buckingham Palace did not crop the Duchess of Sussex out of a photograph it used in a social media post to mark Prince Harry’s 40th birthday.

 

Eyebrows were raised when the duchess appeared to have been removed from the picture, taken in 2018 when the couple were working royals.

The image, taken by photographer Jimmy Rainford, showed Harry visiting the Dogpatch Labs start-up in Dublin with Meghan beside him.

It was posted by King Charles and Queen Camilla’s social media account on Sunday, with the caption: “Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today!”

Prince William and Princess Kate then re-shared the post with the picture, adding their own message: “Wishing a Happy 40th Birthday to The Duke of Sussex!”

Some saw the post as a surprise given the ongoing tensions between Prince Harry and Prince William.

The plot thickened when it was claimed Meghan had been cropped out of the photograph.

However, image archives have since revealed two versions of the photo were issued at the time in 2018, one with Harry, Meghan and four other people in a discussion, and another solo picture with just Harry.

Harry performed the same pose in both photos, suggesting he was cropped out into a single image by the original photographer at the time.

According to claims in The Daily Mail, the photo was provided to Buckingham Palace in this unedited format by the Press Association and was then published without cropping Meghan.

Harry, who lives in California after stepping down as a working royal, spent his birthday on Sunday with Meghan and their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

He is then said to be heading away for a gathering with close friends.

Harry also celebrated his birthday weekend by attending a charity tennis tournament on Saturday in honour of one of Meghan’s closest friends.

The duke and duchess appeared at the George Zajfen Tennis Tournament in Los Angeles in honour of Kelly McKee Zajfen’s late son George.

The Sussexes were additionally photographed attending Tyler Perry’s 55th birthday bash on Saturday evening.

 

Outrage Erupts as Meghan Markle is Cropped from Prince Harry’s 40th Birthday Photo

Megan Markle Fans Outraged Over Cropped Prince Harry Birthday Photo—But Is It Just a Misunderstanding? Meghan Markle fans are up in arms, believing she was intentionally cropped out of a birthday photo of Prince Harry shared by the royal family. 

So, what’s the fuss about? Recently, Buckingham Palace shared a photo of Prince Harry celebrating his 40th birthday. However, some fans noticed that Meghan Markle seemed to be missing from this particular image. The original photo, which was circulating, showed Markle wearing a black blazer. But in the version shared by the royal family, Markle appeared to be cropped out.

Here’s the original post shared by the Royal Family’s official social media accounts. You can see Prince Harry smiling at the table on his birthday, with his hand in the photo. But when we compare it to the cropped version, it does seem like Markle’s arm is just barely visible in the original.

The cropping led to speculation and accusations that the royal family was intentionally excluding Markle. After all, it’s not her birthday, so why would they include her in the photo?

However, it turns out that the cropping might not be as deliberate as some think. A source told the Post that the photo was provided in this format by the Press Association. The image wasn’t altered by the royal family; they simply used the version they received.

It’s also worth noting that Harry’s birthday was on August 4th. Reports indicated that while Harry might have received phone calls from some family members, there’s been no confirmation yet. Given the strained relationships, it’s unlikely that Prince William or Kate Middleton would reach out, though some sources suggested otherwise.

Now, about the photo itself: some believe that the royal social media team chose the cropped version intentionally, knowing that it would stir up controversy. But does that really make sense? The Royal PR team isn’t exactly known for their flawless execution, so it’s hard to believe they’d be that cunning.

The truth is, the original photo with Markle was available on various photo websites, and the cropped version simply seemed to be a practical choice for social media. There’s no evidence that it was meant to be a slight against Markle.

Despite all the drama, it appears this was just a simple case of using a photo that fit the social media format, rather than a deliberate attempt to exclude Markle.

On a different note, I’m excited to share that I’ll be in London this Saturday, September 21st! I’ll be at The Hoop and Toy in South Kensington at 3:30 p.m. If you’re in the area and want to be part of my documentary or just hang out, I’d love to see you. I’ll have some fun stickers to give away, so come on by!

The Princess’ first work engagement was in support of her early years childhood project

Princess Kate Middleton on July 14, 2024. Photo: Karwai Tang/WireImage

Kate Middleton has returned to work for the first time since her cancer treatment concluded.

According to the Court Circular, the official record of the Royal family’s activities, the Princess of Wales, 42, met with her Centre for Early Childhood team members and the Kensington Palace staff at Windsor Castle about her early years childhood project, per The Telegraph.

“The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron, The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, this afternoon held an Early Years Meeting at Windsor Castle,” reads the event entry, per The Telegraph.

Her attendance marks the beginning of the princess’s return to work and engagements over the coming months. On Sept. 9, Princess Kate published a social media video message announcing she had completed her chemotherapy treatment. She announced her cancer diagnosis on March 22.

Kate Middleton.Will Warr

Throughout her illness, and when Princess Kate was well enough to work from home, she was updated about her early years project, The Telegraph reports.

The project examines “how experiences in early childhood are often the root cause of today’s hardest social challenges such as addiction, family breakdown, poor mental health, suicide and homelessness,” per the Royal Family’s official site.

Kate made two public appearances at the Trooping the Colour in mid-June and Wimbledon on July 14.

Currently, the only event Kate is “potentially” expected to attend is a Remembrance Sunday service in support of the Royal family, veterans and their families on Nov. 10. She plans to host her annual carol concert at Westminster Abbey the following month.

However, no other engagements have been confirmed for the princess. Kate will partake in royal duties “when she can,” a source tells the outlet. She could have “a light program” of work or up to “a handful” of engagements.

Prince George of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales (Colonel of the Welsh Guards), Prince Louis of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales attend Trooping the Colour on June 15, 2024 in London, England.Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty

The three-minute clip announcing Kate completed her chemotherapy treatment was filmed at her family’s country house, Anmer Hall. Prince William, 42, and their children Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, were all seen in the clip.

“As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” she said. “The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.”

“The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you,” Princess Kate said in part. “With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything.”

Catherine, Princess of Wales (R) and Princess Charlotte at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships on July 14, 2024 in London, England.

Aaron Chown – WPA Pool/Getty

The princess said she looked forward to “undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can” while remaining focused on staying cancer-free.

“She had a lovely summer and is very focused on her wellbeing. She is definitely going to be doing less,” a source in her circle recently told PEOPLE.

During a surprise visit to an East London school, Meghan Markle made quite an impact on 16-year-old student Akira Kuya.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, Meghan asked if any young man was brave enough to speak about the day’s significance.

Akira boldly accepted the challenge, giving a speech that left a lasting impression. After his remarks, the Duchess of Sussex and Akira embraced in a hug, a moment that quickly became a social media sensation.

 

In the days that followed, Akira penned a heartfelt letter to Prince Harry, apologizing for hugging Meghan. His letter read:

“Dear Harry and Meghan, Harry, I hope you don’t mind me writing this letter.

I hope you didn’t mind me cuddling your wife. I was just overwhelmed and shocked to see her arrive at my school.

It was a pleasure to hear her speech and to speak in front of her as well. She was truly inspirational.

I nearly met you, Harry, last year when you came to East London to open the Future Youth Zone, but I was away with the school. I hope to meet you one day. Good luck for the future. With kind regards, Akira.”

 

Akira later shared with Independent Television News how surreal the experience was for him. Meeting Meghan was “immense” and inspirational, as she shared the significance of International Women’s Day.

Akira was particularly moved by how Meghan’s strength, despite the challenges and negativity she faced, continued to uplift and inspire young people like him.

He reflected on how empowering her visit was, especially in the face of ongoing global challenges, like the pandemic. Meghan’s presence and message left a profound impact on him and his peers, reminding them of the importance of resilience and leadership for the next generation.

King Charles Reportedly Ordered Princess Kate to Jail Meghan Markle: A Royal Feud Unfolds

According to sources within Buckingham Palace, the situation with the Sussexes has become too much for the new monarch to ignore any longer. While Charles has tried to take the high road publicly, behind closed doors, he is said to be at his wit’s end with Harry’s disrespectful behavior and Meghan’s repeated attacks on the institution. Kate is also beyond fed up after bearing the brunt of Meghan’s jealousy for years. Between thinly veiled allegations of bullying and nasty media briefings, sources say Kate has had enough of the antics and fully supports decisive action from the King. 

It’s reported that last weekend, under the cover of darkness, Charles secretly met with Kate at her rural residence in Norfolk. Their goal was to finally find a solution to end the Sussex chaos and repair the damage done to both the monarchy and the family by Harry and Meghan’s reckless actions. During the intense four-hour meeting, Charles and Kate are said to have debated every option on the table regarding limiting the Sussexes’ ability to harm the crown moving forward.

One proposal was to permanently strip Harry and Meghan of all their royal titles and patronages, ejecting them from the institution for good. However, others pointed out that this could backfire by allowing the Sussexes to portray themselves as victims, garnering public sympathy, and potentially dragging the monarchy through endless court battles. A more practical solution was needed to satisfy the Crown legally while still neutralizing Harry and Meghan as a threat.

Sources say the pivotal breakthrough came when Kate suggested using a little-known ancient royal decree that had never been invoked before—the Declaration of Non-Compliance. Under its provisions, the monarch has the authority to pass judgment on any member of the royal family deemed a clear and ongoing risk to the institution’s stability or reputation. Once issued, a Declaration of Non-Compliance would immediately suspend all privileges and affiliations of the parties in question. While still nominally royal, they would be banned from participating in public duties or officially representing the Crown. Most crucially, it allows the stripping of all funding support from The Sovereign Grant, forcing dissidents to fully finance themselves.

Charles and Kate realized this decree was the perfect weapon to finally regain control over the Sussex situation without further fueling their victim narrative. After consulting lawyers, they agreed that the mountains of evidence, from secret recordings to damaging briefings, clearly demonstrated Harry and Meghan had long crossed the line into actively working against the Crown’s interests. A declaration would remove their platform and resources to cause disruption while avoiding further dignifying their antics with attention. Most importantly, it could be implemented immediately, achieving decisive action before the situation deteriorated further.

Charles and Kate went home that night confident they had found the solution to solve this long-running headache once and for all. Of course, enacting such a consequential move required careful planning and coordination. Over the following weeks, Charles is said to have quietly built support among the other senior royals like William, Edward, and Sophie, all glad to see decisive action after years of tension. But the true test would be dropping hints to gauge reaction without revealing their full strategy prematurely.

It’s here that Charles deployed an ingenious tactic—using well-timed anonymous briefings to major newspapers, hinting at a potential public rebuke or new limits on the Sussexes’ activities that stopped just short of exile. While fanning tabloid flames as intended, this allowed gauging response while maintaining complete deniability over the full scope of their intended declaration. By all accounts, the overwhelmingly positive feedback confirmed their strategy was shrewd. The public was exhausted by endless drama and clearly backed stronger leadership imposing consequences. All the pieces were falling into place. Now, only timing remained—awaiting the optimum moment to pull the trigger.

That moment presented itself far sooner than anticipated when word emerged of Harry covertly meeting Netflix executives in California behind closed doors, pitching another salacious project. Charles understood this was the final straw. The very next day, Buckingham Palace sources mysteriously confirmed an urgent private audience between the King and his legal counsel had taken place. Crisis meetings continued non-stop over the next 48 hours until, on Monday, precisely at noon, the Royal Communications Bureau issued a bombshell three-paragraph statement.

In somber language befitting its solemn nature, it announced that His Majesty had formally enacted the Declaration of Non-Compliance against the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, suspending their roles indefinitely until such time as trust could be restored. The statement went on to confirm that all royal privileges, including security, titles, and public funding, were hereby withdrawn with immediate effect. While not wished, this step was unavoidable due to a sustained pattern of disregarding protocols and undermining the stability of the institution.

Camilla’s Shocking Wish: Kate Middleton Faces Cancer Battle and Divorce Rumors

In the most recent issue of *Us Weekly*, a family friend of Camilla revealed exclusively that it was actually Kate who helped William warm up to Camilla. “She has always treated Camilla with kindness and has never been dismissive of her,” the friend shared. “Kate likes her because she brings a sense of real-life relatability to the family. She’s not just interested in the ceremonies that surround royalty. Camilla is as real as Kate.” 

As King Charles’s second wife, Camilla has sparked quite a bit of controversy within the royal family. While tensions between William and Camilla were high, their dynamic seems to have relaxed recently, especially after William’s brother, Prince Harry, stepped down from his role as a senior royal with his wife, Meghan Markle, in 2020.

A source claims that William began to mend his relationship with Camilla after that, which brought them closer. An insider explained, “William and Kate already have enough drama and tension with Meghan and Harry, so they don’t want any more.” A friend of William added that the Prince of Wales likes Camilla because “she makes Charles less uptight, and she seems more down-to-earth than other royals.”

Renowned author Christopher Anderson, who wrote a biography of King Charles, provides exclusive insights into the lives of Charles and Camilla. He states that Charles’s and Kate’s respective cancer diagnoses have given their loved ones a new perspective. Anderson shared that Charles’s illness has deepened Camilla’s devotion to her husband, and he’s sure William would be pleased with this.

In recent years, Charles publicly announced in February that he had been diagnosed with cancer, although the exact details were not revealed. He briefly stepped back from public duties but has since fully returned. As for Kate, she revealed that she was undergoing chemotherapy when she announced her own cancer diagnosis on March 22. Since then, she has largely stayed out of the public eye.

In June, Kate shared more details about her health in a lengthy Instagram post, saying, “I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days.” She also noted that her treatment would continue for a few more months.

Prince William’s Emotional Decision Brings Princess Anne to Tears as He Takes on New Role

As Prince William continues to prepare for his future role as king, his vision for the British monarchy is becoming increasingly focused on transformative changes. Estranged from his brother and with both his father and wife diagnosed with undisclosed forms of cancer, the heir to the throne is one of the few senior royals left performing public-facing duties. He is now tasked with steering the monarchy through an unusual period, all under an intense public spotlight. 

Unlike politicians and governments, who are at the mercy of voters, the monarchy remains a permanent fixture in British life and has more time to figure out a plan to weather these storms. Commentators suggest that William and Catherine currently have the public’s sympathy, and the prince can rely on a level of understanding from the public that he might not be working at full capacity while he takes care of his family.

Traditionally, this task would have fallen to Prince Harry, but as a non-working royal, he cannot fulfill that role. For those still hoping that Harry and his wife, Meghan, might somehow reconcile with the British royal family, those wishes seem unlikely to be fulfilled. When asked if there was an element of revenge in King Charles III’s decision to evict the Sussex family from Frogmore Cottage in June 2023, sources close to the situation replied, “The evidence is there for everyone to see.” The eviction meant Harry lost access to the home that would have made it easier for him to return regularly.

Given Prince Harry’s current strained relationship with his family, it’s hard to imagine he would be keen on taking any royal responsibilities. In his absence, Princess Anne is the most likely candidate to take on additional duties. Charles, however, may be hesitant to break with tradition and assign the task to his sister, the Princess Royal, despite her long-standing support for the family. This is a decision that must be made soon, as it would require an act of Parliament to be executed.

Then there is the delicate matter of Prince Harry’s relationship with Queen Camilla. Harry famously stated that she had “left bodies in the street” as she ascended in prominence within the royal family. Sources close to the family reveal that Camilla is deeply anxious about her position and what it could mean for her future with the monarchy. Her concerns have been heightened by whispers of potential changes in royal protocol and the possible redefinition of her role once William becomes king. As consort to the monarch, Camilla’s status has always been one of support and dignity, but the changing tides have raised questions about her place in the new era of royal governance.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry reportedly wishes to reconcile with King Charles, particularly in light of Charles’s cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, when details of a private phone call from Harry to his father, marking Charles’s 75th birthday, were leaked to the media, royal relations suffered another setback. Still, judging by the warm message King Charles sent today, it seems he may be offering Harry another chance. The ongoing conflict between them is fueled in part by Harry’s belief that his father has the power to overturn the decision to strip him of royal protection when traveling to the UK—a power Charles insists he does not possess, according to Palace sources.

Although many believe the situation with the Sussexes was mishandled by those in charge, Buckingham Palace seems to prefer that Harry and Meghan quietly retire into obscurity. But that scenario seems unlikely. As private citizens, they cannot be banned from going anywhere or living how they choose. For now, sources report that Harry’s calls and letters to his father have gone unanswered.

Despite the rifts, as various social media posts today reflect, hope springs eternal. “The UK is Harry’s home; it’s where he grew up, where his family and friends are, and where many of his interests lie,” someone close to him told the press. The sense is that there is some desire for reconciliation, but it will take time and patience. As one royal watcher put it, “Let’s just say there’s hope for a more positive conversation in the future.”

Princes William and Harry attended their uncle’s funeral on Wednesday, putting them in the same room for the first time this year amid their bitter ongoing rift.

Sources close to Harry had indicated he would miss the service in Snettisham, Norfolk, for Lord Fellowes – citing his security concerns in the UK. But the prince made a secret dash from LA in order to attend.

Despite hopes for a thawing in relations, attendees said the warring brothers appeared to be ‘keeping their distance’, did not speak to one another and ‘sat apart at the back of St Mary’s Church after arriving very discreetly’.

Lord Fellowes, who died last month, was married to Lady Jane Spencer, sister of Harry and William’s mother Diana, and was the late Queen’s private secretary.

Tensions at the frosty reunion will, no doubt, have been exacerbated by the announcement from Harry’s publishers this week that he is set to bring out the paperback edition of his vitriolic memoir, Spare.

The re-issue of Spare, in October, will also re-ignite bombshell claims made by the prince against his estranged family including allegations that Prince William shoved him onto a dog bowl which smashed during a particularly explosive row.

Questions had been raised as to whether Harry would update the paperback edition with a new chapter – in light of the King’s cancer diagnosis and continuing family tensions – in the past 12 months.

But the fact he has chosen not to add to the revelations may be seen by some as an attempt to try and smooth over family ructions.

The last time the pair were together was for the King’s Coronation – more than a year ago. However, they were sat separately and were not pictured with one another. Before that, they were last pictured together at the late Queen’s funeral in 2022.

Did YOU see the princes? Email [email protected]

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The warring brothers have only been seen together fleetingly. Here they are at the Queen’s funeral  in 2022 (pictured at Westminster Abbey for the service)

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Kate, William, Harry and Meghan are pictured together at Windsor Castle in 2022 in the days following the Queen’s death at Balmoral Castle

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The Queen’s Funeral Procession passes Buckingham Palace, with William, Prince of Wales and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex in 2022

2004: Princes William and Harry with their uncle Robert Fellowes

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Prince William and Harry are reported to have both attended the funeral for their uncle, Robert Fellowes (file photo)

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Locals in Snettisham, Nortfolk say the pair were both in attendance at a service for Lord Fellowes, who died last month, on Wednesday

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Pictured: Lord Fellowes who died last month at the age of 82

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Lord Fellowes (top left) with Princess Diana and her family in 1995. Sitting (from left): Diana, Lady Sarah McCorquodale (sister), Frances Shand Kydd (mother), and Jane Fellowes (sister). Standing (from left): Lord Fellowes, Charles, Earl Spencer (brother) and Neil McCorquodale

A local in the area told The Sun: ‘I didn’t know they were there. They arrived very discreetly.’

Another said: ‘William and Harry were both there but we never saw them speak to each other and they were keeping their distance.’

Earlier reports suggested the Duke of Sussex would not fly to the UK for his uncle’s funeral because of security concerns after losing a legal fight to retain his royal protection after leaving the UK.

Despite this, new reports say Harry, 39, did in fact make a discreet dash to Britain to attend the service for the 82-year-old who was their mother Diana’s brother-in-law.

The Duke is believed to have flown from Los Angeles International Airport on August 27.

The two brothers have barely spoken to each other since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex left the UK for the US and abandoned royal duties.

The rift was exacerbated by the publication of Harry’s memoir Spare in January last year that levelled accusations against his family.

Harry claimed that William, 42, branded Meghan ‘difficult’, ‘rude’ and ‘abrasive’, and even accused him of pushing him into a dog bowl.

The Duke last visited the UK in May to attend a service at St Paul’s Cathedral marking ten years of the Invictus Games, the sports event he helped to launch for injured soldiers.

He previously returned to the UK in February to see his father, King Charles III, after he revealed his ongoing battle with an unspecified form of cancer.

However, he did not visit his father while back in London – despite being a stone’s throw from the royal residences in the capital.

Since then, Harry and his wife Meghan Markle have embarked on a pair of pseudo-royal tours, visiting Nigeria in May and Colombia earlier this month.

The youngest brother also reached out to William after his wife Kate Middleton’s shock cancer diagnosis earlier in the year.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were understood to have made contact with the Prince and Princess of Wales ‘privately’.

It was also claimed in the United States that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex only learnt about Kate’s condition at the same time the world heard the news.

Sources told the New York Post that the couple had ‘no idea’ about Kate’s illness.

Hours after the news, the couple released a short statement wishing the Princess of Wales and her family ‘health and healing’.

The couple said they hoped Kate and her family would be ‘able to do so privately and in peace’.

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The rift was exacerbated by the publication of Harry’s memoir Spare in January last year that levelled accusations against his family

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Prince William, Kate, Harry and Meghan, attend a ceremony to mark the centenary of the Royal Air Force on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace in 2018

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Prince William and Catherine, accompanied by Prince Harry and Meghan, proceed to greet well-wishers outside Windsor Castle after the death of the Queen in 2022

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Prince Harry attends The Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service at St Paul’s Cathedral on May 8

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Robert Fellowes and Lady Jane Fellowes pictured in Woodbridge together in April 2011

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Prince Harry pictured with aunt Lady Jane Fellowes and uncle Early Spencer back in July 2021

Although they used to be close, it is believed the royal brothers have not spoken in nearly two years and are ‘estranged’, which a close friend previously described as ‘dreadfully sad’.

Harry is due to go on a trip to NYC next month, at the same time as his brother is likely going to host a summit in Manhattan.

The Duke of Sussex will ‘be in town to advance a number of his patronages and philanthropic initiatives,’ a spokesperson confirmed.

The trip is set to take place during UN General Assembly High-level Week and Climate Week, the latter of which runs from September 22 until September 29.

His older brother may also be in the city at that time for the third annual Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit, which will be held at The Plaza Hotel on September 24.

It’s unknown if the Prince of Wales will attend for sure, but he was present last year at the same event.

Last week, insiders revealed that the heir to the throne has no plans to invite his younger brother to his coronation when the time comes.

Friends of the Prince of Wales reported that William does not want Harry to be in attendance when he is crowned King.

A source close to William told The Sunday Times: ‘This year his focus has very much been on his wife, his children and his father. His brother isn’t really something that’s discussed.’

Sources close to the Duke had previously suggested he would not be attending Lord Fellowes’ funeral amid his battle in the British courts with the committee in charge of royal security.

RAVEC, the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, opted to discontinue with his security when he quit royal duties to live in California and pursue lucrative business opportunities in 2020.

Although he unequivocally lost his High Court challenge in February, he was granted permission to appeal in June.

Harry has said he no longer feels it is safe to bring his family to the UK, citing the risks posed by potential acid and knife attackers.

He has been told he can be given limited security if he notifies British authorities more than 28 days ahead of travel.

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Lord Fellowes with the King, then Prince Charles, at Epsom Racecourse in Surrey in 1993

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Lord Fellowes had three children – Alexander (left, on his wedding day with Alexandra Finlay in 2013), Laura and Eleanor (both right, at Harry and Meghan’s wedding in Windsor in 2018)

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Queen Elizabeth II and Lord Fellowes aboard the royal yacht Britannia in Florida in May 1991

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Lord Fellowes was played by actor Andrew Havill (centre) in Netflix series The Crown

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The wedding of Lord Fellowes and Diana’s sister Lady Jane Spencer in London in 1978

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Lord Fellowes is pictured (back right) at the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana in 1981

Lord Fellowes was married to the Duke’s aunt, Lady Jane, and was brother-in-law to Diana, Princess of Wales. He was also Queen Elizabeth II’s private secretary from 1990 until 1999.

News of his death on July 29 had sparked speculation that Harry could be forced to face his estranged brother, for the first time since the publication of the memoir.

But People magazine, a US publication with particularly close links to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex reported that he would not be attending amid his ongoing battle with the Home Office over the decision to withdraw his family’s round-the-clock security.

Prince Harry lost a High Court battle in February but he was granted permission to appeal in June.

He has previously said that he no longer feels safe bringing his family to the UK due to the security issues.

Details of Lord Fellowes’s funeral were not made public prior to the event and it is understood to have been a ‘very small’ and private funeral service for close family.

This will be followed by a private memorial service for ‘wider’ family and friends.

Representatives for the Duke of Sussex have been contacted for comment and Kensington Palace declined to give a statement.

Prince Harry visited Althorp House – the ancestral home and final resting place of his late mother Princess Diana – during his trip to Britain last week, it was claimed today.

The Duke of Sussex stayed with his uncle Charles Spencer at the estate after going to the funeral of Diana’s brother-in-law Lord Robert Fellowes, according to People.

Harry made a surprise appearance at the memorial service in Snettisham, Norfolk, and is then reported to have travelled to the Althorp estate in Northamptonshire.

The funeral was also attended by Prince William, but witnesses claimed the estranged brothers kept their distance and sat apart at the back of St Mary’s Church.

One member of the congregation told People: ‘Most people were astounded that Harry came. He was on remarkably good form – and you could tell he was very pleased to see everybody. And he was very pleased that he had come over.’

Last Thursday’s service took place two days before the 27th anniversary of Diana’s death on Saturday. Her final resting place is on an island on the Oval Lake at Althorp.

The Duke has remained close to Diana’s family – and her brother Charles, the 9th Earl Spencer, also attended a service in May for the tenth anniversary of Harry’s Invictus Games at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, when no senior royal was in attendance.

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Prince Harry stands next to his uncle Earl Spencer and aunt Lady Jane Fellowes at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on May 8 for the tenth anniversary service for the Invictus Games

Prince Harry chats with his uncle Earl Spencer at Invictus ceremony

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Prince Harry is reported to have stayed at the Althorp estate in Northamptonshire last week

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Prince Harry’s aunt Lady Jane Fellowes and uncle Earl Spencer arrive at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on May 8 for the tenth anniversary service for the Invictus Games

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Diana’s resting place is on an island in a lake at her family home at Althorp, Northamptonshire

MailOnline has requested comment from Charles, the 9th Earl Spencer, and representatives of the Sussexes about reports that Harry stayed at Althorp. But the claims are likely to be true given the US publication’s close links to the couple.

Althorp – the 13,000-acre estate where Earl Spencer and Diana grew up with their two sisters – is a hugely poignant location for Harry.

He revealed in his controversial memoir Spare in January last year that Meghan kneeled and put her palms on Diana’s grave at the estate in 2017 and asked his late mother for ‘clarity and guidance’.

On the 20th anniversary of her death, Harry and Meghan had rowed out to Diana’s final resting place on an island. After some time reflecting, he sensed Meghan wanted a moment to herself by the site.

‘When I returned, she was on her knees with her eyes closed and her palms flat against the stone,’ Harry wrote.

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Prince Harry chats with Earl Spencer ahead of the unveiling of a statue of his mother Diana at Kensington Palace in London on July 1, 2021, which would have been her 60th birthday

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Althorp is a 13,000-acre estate where Earl Spencer and Diana grew up with their two sisters

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Charles and Diana with Harry and William, during a holiday on the Isles of Scilly in June 1989

In May, Earl Spencer revealed he was overcome with emotion when a friend gave him a hand-made canoe as a present for his 60th birthday.

The gift was constructed by the friend’s husband who said: ‘I just thought it would be useful when you visit your sister.’

Diana was buried on a small island in the middle of the lake, which can be reached only by boat.

Earl Spencer had originally planned to lay Diana to rest in the family tombs at a local church, but said he was concerned about her safety.

On Saturday, he marked the anniversary of his sister’s death in 1997 by paying tribute on on Instagram, sharing a series of newspaper cuttings from her early life.

Diana died in a car crash in Paris when Harry was just 12 years old.

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Prince Harry chats to Earl Spencer and Lady Sarah McCorquodale after a service to celebrate the life of Diana ten years after her death, at the Guards Chapel in London on August 31, 2007

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A friend gifted Earl Spencer this canoe as a 60th birthday present so he can ‘visit’ Diana. The canoe is pictured on the bank next to the Oval Lake at Althorp, his sister’s final resting place

It comes as separate reports emerged last night that Harry has ‘no interest’ in leaving the US and returning to royal duties in Britain.

The Duke has reportedly sought advice from trusted former aides on how to mastermind a return to the UK – nearly five years after he and Meghan stepped down as senior royals.

But sources close to Harry, who turns 40 this month, told the Daily Telegraph that he is settled in California with Meghan, 43, and their children Archie, five, and Lilibet, three.

They also claim that Harry has an ‘amazing’ new set of friends in the US and several projects on the horizon. He is preparing for a trip to New York where he will take part in charity engagements.

According to The Mail on Sunday, he has turned away from his ‘Hollywood publicists’ and resorted to texting former confidants ‘from his old life’ on how to mastermind a return from exile in the US.

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Then-Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince Harry, Prince Philip and Earl Spencer on the day of Princess Diana’s funeral in London on September 6, 1997

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Earl Spencer, Princess Diana, Charles, Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale at Earl Spencer’s 21st birthday party at Althorp in 1985

They are reportedly willing to help him build bridges with his old life in Britain, with some referring to it as ‘Operation Bring Harry In From The Cold’.

It was said that marked the first stage in a potential strategy to ‘rehabilitate’ Harry and repair his relationship with King Charles.

Harry has also chosen not to update Spare ahead of its release in paperback next month, nor to give interviews to publicise it, which could be seen as an olive branch.

But William is still understood to be deeply hurt by Harry’s sustained attacks on his family.

According to friends, he does not discuss Harry, and is instead focusing on his wife, Kate – who is still undergoing treatment for cancer – their children and his work.

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Lord Fellows at the High Court in February 2008 to give evidence in Princess Diana’s inquest

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Queen Elizabeth II and Lord Fellowes aboard the royal yacht Britannia in Florida in May 1991

The brothers are not believed to have spoken properly for two years.

Harry flew out of Los Angeles on Tuesday and slipped into the UK without fanfare.

The prince, who is suing the UK Home Office for withdrawing his police protection when he quit royal duties and left the UK and says it is unsafe to bring his wife or family here, then travelled to Norfolk to attend the memorial.

Harry, whose PR team had previously briefed friendly media to say he would not be flying to the UK for the funeral, is not believed to have travelled on to meet with his father at Balmoral.

King Charles III has been in residence at his Scottish estate with Queen Camilla.

Harry and Charles last saw each other briefly back in February, when the prince flew to the UK from California for a meeting that lasted barely 30 minutes after Charles’s cancer diagnosis was announced.

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The funeral for Lord Fellowes was at the 14th century St Mary’s Church in Snettisham, Norfolk

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The interior of St Mary’s Church in Snettisham is pictured last Friday, following the funeral

Harry then returned to London once more, in May, but his father’s diary was full with work and his cancer treatment, and they did not meet.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that Harry and Meghan have parted company with another American PR adviser, Christine Weil Schirmer, the tenth staff member to leave in three years. She has joined PR giant Brunswick.

Lord Fellowes, who died on July 29 aged 82, was married to Diana’s sister Lady Jane Fellowes.

He was a long-time Buckingham Palace courtier who worked for Queen Elizabeth II for 22 years until 1999.

This was a period which covered both the breakdown of his sister-in-law’s marriage to then-Prince Charles and her death in 1997.