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Royal insiders are providing new insights into lingering tensions between Prince William and Prince Harry in the aftermath of Queen Elizabeth's state funeral. According to sources, William was surprised and disappointed to learn that Harry had privately attended Queen Elizabeth's committal service at St. George's Chapel in Windsor after initially deciding not to join his family for events in the UK.
The day after the funeral, William called his uncle Prince Edward from Balmoral Castle to offer condolences. It was then that he found out about Harry's unexpected attendance at the committal service. Sources say William was under the impression that Harry had returned home to California following the public funeral procession and service in London.
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There are signs this revelation strained already difficult relations between the brothers. After offering condolences to Prince Edward on the phone call, William is said to have felt misled since it appears arrangements were made for Harry to attend the private interment without the knowledge of senior royals. Some insiders speculate Harry's return to the UK was kept discreet in order to avoid deterring publicity or attention from the solemn state events.
In response, palace sources worked swiftly to control the narrative by briefing certain media sources that William had also privately attended the committal service, though there is no evidence to support this claim. The Sun Newspaper was specifically tipped off to put out feelers asking locals in Windsor if either brother had been seen in town that day, confirming Harry's return but giving the impression both brothers were mourning privately together.
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Some believe this friendly outreach to The Sun, a paper not always supportive of Harry, was an intentional move to mitigate concerns about a lack of togetherness and unity among the family during a sensitive time of national mourning. However, others see it as an damage control effort after William felt misled about Harry's actions. Either way, it highlights ongoing unease within royal circles about fully disclosing information when it comes to matters involving the brothers.
Adding further intrigue, William reportedly wanted palace statements to confirm his wife Kate Middleton had also attended both the funeral and committal service, even though she was not present. Sources say palace advisors counseled against made claims that could not be substantiated for fear of being caught in an untruth, a scenario that could undermine public trust at a delicate moment. For William, having his wife also in attendance may have helped project a united front, but the push also tells its own story about his state of mind.
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While the complex dynamics involved are murky, what seems clear is that tensions remain raw between the brothers, even as they mourn the demise of their grandmother who worked tirelessly to hold the family together. Some experts believe ongoing frustrations stem from lingering disagreements over Harry's departure from royal duties and bombshell interviews last year in which he leveled criticisms at the institution. The behind-the-scenes maneuvering after the funeral suggests a relationship still lacking in trust and good communication.
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Whether eventual reconciliation is possible remains uncertain. In the meantime, discussions will continue about balancing transparency with privacy when it comes to a royal family facing immense public and media scrutiny, even as they grieve. The circumstances also highlight challenges of healing family rifts while still adhering to traditions of discretion and discretion expected of senior figures in the House of Windsor. As royal watchers observe for signs of thawing relations, one thing is evident - building understanding after serious conflict takes time, goodwill and ongoing work on both sides.
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