Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has always been deeply connected to his late mother, Princess Diana, who tragically passed away 27 years ago. During his latest trip to Britain, Harry, the youngest son of Princess Diana and King Charles III, opted to stay with his uncle, Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer. Charles Spencer, Diana’s younger brother, manages Althorp House, the family estate where Princess Diana is buried.
A source close to the Spencer family revealed to The Royal Observer that Harry visited Diana’s grave while at Althorp, calling it a “very special place” for the family, particularly for Harry. This visit suggests a significant motivation for his choice of accommodation during his time in the UK.
Reports in May surfaced claiming that Harry declined an invitation to stay with his father, King Charles III, during his visit. Instead, Harry opted to stay with his mother’s side of the family, highlighting the importance of this connection.
Notably, Harry remained silent during the memorial service for Lord Robert Fellowes, in contrast to his older brother, Prince William. This silence further underscores the emotional weight of Harry’s visit and his desire to privately honor his mother’s memory.
The choice of Althorp as Harry’s lodging during the anniversary of Princess Diana’s death, which fell on August 31st, 1997, is significant. Diana’s resting place is a small island within a pond on the Althorp grounds, accessible only by rowboat. This secluded location, not open to the public, holds a profound significance for Harry.
While the specific reasons behind Harry’s choice to stay at Althorp remain unconfirmed, the desire to visit his mother’s grave on this poignant anniversary seems highly likely.
An insider, speaking to The Royal Observer, commented on the situation, stating, “I couldn’t say what the ins and outs were, but what I can tell you is that Prince William is a decent guy. He would understand that his brother wanted to be there and that [his invitation] would be a matter for the Spencer family.” The insider also noted, “Don’t forget it was his [William’s] idea, despite everything that had happened, to ask Harry and Meghan to join himself and Catherine for that walkabout at Windsor after Queen Elizabeth died. He did that knowing what his brother had done and that he planned to bring out his book. But he will always do the right thing in the circumstances.”
Harry’s choice to stay with his mother’s family during this sensitive time speaks volumes about the deep bond he shares with them and the profound impact his mother continues to have on his life. While recent events have strained relationships within the Royal family, Harry’s visit to Althorp underscores the enduring power of family and the enduring love and respect he holds for his mother’s memory.
