The Queen Would Have Wanted Prince Harry and the Royal Family to "Patch Things Up" Before She Passed, Royal Author Says
Sadly, there's still tension there.
It was, unsurprisingly, a source of great sadness for Queen Elizabeth II that her grandson Prince Harry was all but estranged from the rest of the family in the latter years of her reign.
She "adored Harry right to the end, and Harry adored her," royal historian Robert Hardman told People this week.
"I think she was one of the conduits between Windsor and California, and it would have been one of her dearest wishes that [the family] patch things up."
The rift between Prince Harry and his brother Prince William is especially visible, and though they and their wives joined forces for a public walkabout in Windsor shortly after the Queen's death, this alone wasn't enough to build real bridges, and their future relationship remains up in the air.
"It was awkward. Both couples found it hard," an insider told People. "They were in a stoic spirit of just getting through it for the Queen."
Though it's important to remember we don't know what happens behind closed doors, and the circumstances surrounding the Queen's death were necessarily difficult, many commentators have appeared to confirm that Harry and William are still not on good terms.
For example, one source said that the Waleses wouldn't be ready to trust the Sussexes until they could clear the air surrounding their interview with Oprah Winfrey.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
And while King Charles made a point to send his love to Harry and Meghan in his first speech as monarch, even he isn't at ease with his youngest son and daughter-in-law: A source close to him told Vanity Fair that Charles is waiting to make decisions on Archie and Lilibet's royal titles until there is some closure around the Sussexes' media projects.
So there's a long way to go yet, let's put it that way.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Zendaya's Custom Wimbledon White Is Back With a Vengeance
The motif from her 'Challengers' era returns for awards season.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Two of ‘The Later Daters’ Found Love on the Netflix Dating Show—Are the Couples Still Together Today?
Here's what we know about the stars' love lives post-filming.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
There's Still Time to Snag Katie Holmes's Favorite Minimalist Bags for Under $250
Celebrities can't resist this brand's minimalist vegan leather designs.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
The Royal Family's Christmas Rules Range From Funny to Outrageous
"Don't suggest playing Monopoly, it's banned!"
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince William is in a "Very Difficult" Position This Year as He Plays Roles of "Father, Nurse and Prince of Wales"
Royal author Andrew Morton said the prince "is handling it as well as you can do."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Princess Charlotte Inherited a Secret "Ability" From Her Great-Grandmother Queen Elizabeth
"Queen Elizabeth used to have her family in stitches."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry Hinted at Starting a Family and Moving Abroad in a 2015 Interview, Pre-Meghan Markle
"Whenever anyone says to me that it was Meghan's fault they left, that conversation always springs to mind."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
How Meghan Markle's Queen Elizabeth-Themed Gift For Prince Harry Got "Smashed" on Christmas Eve
"Pieces lay all over the floor."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
This Royal Just Shared the Sweetest Detail about Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip's Christmas Tradition
"Of course" they joined in, the royal said.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Queen Camilla's Son Says He Might Join the Royal Family For Christmas, Despite Feud Rumors
It was previously reported that Prince William would snub Christmas if Tom Parker Bowles attended.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince William Says Prince Louis' Latest Hobby Has Him Covering His Ears
The Prince of Wales joked about his youngest son's very noisy talent.
By Amy Mackelden Published