Harry and William attend uncle’s memorial but ‘don’t speak’ – latest news

The future direction of the monarchy is on a knife-edge, amid the passing of the late Queen, tense relationships, and a shrinking inner circle bolstered by an unprecedented health crisis.

The number of working royals has been steadily shrinking since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back in 2020, and Prince Andrew was stripped of his titles and patronages due to U.S. civil action over sexual assault allegations.

In this exclusive event for The Independent, Assistant Editor Vicki Harper and a panel of royal experts will analyse the current state of the shrinking Royal Family, look back at how we got here, and explore the potential next moves for “the firm” to stay relevant.

Princes Harry and William have both attended their uncle’s funeral – but sat apart and did not speak to each other, according to reports.

The Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex both attended the memorialit has been reported.

The Duke of Sussex flew from the US to join the Prince of Wales at the service for their mother’s brother-in-law, Lord Robert Fellowes, at St Mary’s Church in Snettisham, Norfolk, on Thursday, The Sun reported.

The brothers made a discreet appearance and sat apart at the back of the church, a local resident told the newspaper, keeping their distance and not speaking to each other.

Lord Fellowes, 82, passed away on 29 July. He was married to Princess Diana’s older sister and served as Queen Elizabeth II’s private secretary for several years.

It is believed to be the first time that the two brothers have seen each other in public since King Charles’s coronation last May.

Today marks the anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.

In the early hours of 31 August 1997, the princess died in hospital after being injured in a motor vehicle accident in a road tunnel in Paris.

Her partner, Dodi Fayed, and the driver of the Mercedes-Benz W140, Henri Paul, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Their bodyguard Trevor Rees-Jones survived with serious injuries.

Extinction Rebellion (XR) are staging its ‘Upgrade Democracy’ mass occupation in Windsor Great Park over the weekend.

The campaign group is calling for the Government to create and be led by a citizens’ assembly on climate and ecological justice.

Activists set up a camp in Windsor on Friday morning, with tents, stages and speakers set up ahead of an “action-packed” weekend of activities, which ends on Sunday.

“The prime minister and his wife received their invitation earlier this month and they accepted,” a source told the Sunday Express.

“The prime minister’s team will update on his diary in the usual way at lobby.”

King Charles and Queen Camilla have reportedly organised a picnic with their grandchildren as the royal family enjoys their summer break at Balmoral.

An insider told The Express that the activity will take place by a river on the sprawling Aberdeenshire estate in Scotland.

The Wales children will also be joined by Queen Camilla’s five grandchildren from her previous marriage, who are staying at the estate with her son Tom Parker Bowles and her daughter Laura Hopes.

The pair have not seen each other since February, when the monarch’s cancer diagnosis was announced.

During the Duke of Sussex’s most recent visit to the UK, his father declined to see him, citing his busy schedule.

An insider told the MailOnline: “Faith has always been a part of Charles’s life and something he’s explored, but since becoming King it is playing a more central role.”

They added: “That reliance on faith and quiet contemplation has become a comfort and asset to him and helps him cope with the role as he adapts to being King.”

Meghan Markle lives a relatively “isolated” life in California and keeps her friendship circle small, it has been claimed.

The Duchess of Sussex moved to the state with Prince Harry after stepping down as a working royal in 2020.

Royal expert Kinsey Schofield told Fox News Digitial: “I would describe Meghan’s personal life in California as isolated but structured.

“The qualifications to be her friend are no secret… She typically gravitates towards people that can offer her something, contribute to her personal goals. She also requires trust and privacy.

“Her friend group is small. She is friendly with Montecito locals as you never know someone’s connection or status. Everyone in Montecito has accomplished something significant to be in a position to call it home.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are reportedly “keen” to do more unofficial tours after successfully visiting Nigeria and Colombia this year.

Though carried out in their capacity as private citizens, the visits have many of the hallmarks of official royal tours and have been used to promote several charitable causes.

A source told OK! magazine: “Both Meghan and Harry are keen to do more of these tours as that’s what they love doing and what they enjoyed most about royal life.”