Prince Harry will not travel to the UK to attend his uncle Robert Fellowes’ funeral, The Post can confirm.
The Duke of Sussex, 39, had been considering a return to home soil for the memorial service and has reportedly been in contact with his aunt and his cousins.
As well as his late mother Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, following his uncle’s death.
Lord Fellowes, who was married to Diana’s sister, Lady Jane Fellowes, and served for a time as the late Queen Elizabeth II’s private secretary, died of undisclosed causes on July 29.
He was 82.
Fellowes boasted a very close bond with Harry and his estranged brother Prince William. He attended both of their weddings in 2011 and 2018, respectively.
And despite Harry weighing up his options, the duke has ultimately decided against making the 5,459-mile trip.
After quitting royal life in 2020 and moving to the US, the Sussexes have been stripped of taxpayer-funded security in the UK, meaning they must now pay out of pocket for police protection.
Under current UK law, Harry must inform British officials about any travel plans to the UK at least 28 days in advance — no later.
The stipulation means Harry will not be coming to his beloved uncle’s funeral, since he has not submitted his travel notice at this time.
“Harry didn’t have plans to visit the UK this summer so when something last-minute arises like a funeral, it becomes a very difficult situation to navigate,” a source told OK! Magazine.
“Harry would like to spend more time in Britain, but it’s a logistical nightmare for his team due to ongoing security issues.”
“Harry has made visits to the UK in the past, but the security issue has remained a constant concern.”
Another source told the outlet that Harry’s lack of security has been a factor in the breakdown of his relationship with members of the Firm.
“There have been times when Harry couldn’t attend events that he was invited to,” the insider said.
“It’s a shame because there are family members who love him dearly and he still has several close friends in the UK.”
Instead, Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, will be traveling to Colombia for an official visit.
The country’s Vice President Francia Márquez announced on Aug. 1 that the Sussexes will be visiting Bogotá, Cartagena and Cali.
The trip comes after the duo traveled to Nigeria for three days in May.
Prince Harry’s decision not to attend his uncle Robert Fellowes’ funeral in the UK has caused quite a stir among royal watchers and fans alike. The Duke of Sussex, who has been living in the US with his wife Meghan Markle since stepping back from royal duties, was reportedly in talks with his family about the possibility of returning for the service. However, due to logistical and security concerns, Harry ultimately decided against making the long journey back to his home country.This decision has once again shone a spotlight on the challenges Harry faces living a quasi-royal life outside of the UK. Since moving to America, Harry and Meghan have had to navigate their own security arrangements, a far cry from the taxpayer-funded protection they received as senior members of the royal family. This lack of security has not only made travel to the UK difficult for Harry, but it has also strained his relationship with his extended family.It’s no secret that Harry’s decision to step back from royal duties and carve out a new life for himself and his family has caused friction within the royal family. While he still maintains close ties with his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, and his father, Prince Charles, relationships with other family members have been more strained. Harry’s decision not to attend his uncle’s funeral is just the latest example of how his new life in the US has created obstacles to maintaining close connections with his UK-based relatives.Despite the challenges, Harry and Meghan are forging ahead with their own projects and commitments. The couple recently announced plans to visit Colombia for an official visit, following a trip to Nigeria earlier this year. These trips not only allow Harry and Meghan to engage in their philanthropic work and advocacy, but they also give them the opportunity to connect with people and causes outside of the royal bubble.As Harry and Meghan continue to navigate the complexities of their post-royal life, one thing is clear: their decisions are driven by a desire to create a meaningful impact and live authentically in a rapidly changing world. While Harry may not have been able to attend his uncle’s funeral, his commitment to forging his own path and making a difference in the world remains steadfast. Stay tuned for more updates on the Sussexes’ upcoming travels and endeavors.
Prince Harry’s decision not to attend his uncle’s funeral in the UK has sparked discussions about the challenges he faces living a semi-royal life in the US. Since relocating with Meghan Markle, Harry has had to manage his own security arrangements, a departure from the state-funded protection he received as a senior royal. The lack of security not only complicates travel to the UK but also strains his relationships with extended family members.Moving away from royal duties has strained Harry’s connections with certain relatives, although he remains close with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles. His absence at the funeral underscores the difficulties he encounters in maintaining ties with his UK-based family.Despite these obstacles, Harry and Meghan are actively pursuing their own initiatives and obligations. Following a trip to Nigeria, the couple is gearing up for an official visit to Colombia, highlighting their commitment to philanthropy and advocacy. These ventures allow them to engage with diverse causes and communities beyond the royal sphere.As Harry and Meghan navigate their post-royal journey, their choices reflect a desire to enact positive change and lead authentically in a dynamic world. While Harry couldn’t attend the funeral, his dedication to shaping his own narrative and impacting society remains resolute. Stay tuned for updates on the Sussexes’ upcoming endeavors and travels.For more informative content and updates, continue following us for inspiration and valuable insights. Your support drives us to deliver more enriching content for your benefit.
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Source: The Wall Street Journal