Prince Harry and William’s feud has made Philip’s funeral plans a ‘minefield’, aides claim
PRINCE Harry and William’s fallout made Prince Philip’s funeral plans a “minefield”, aides claimed.
Sources said it was tricky to co-ordinate today’s service, with “everyone walking on eggshells so as not to exacerbate the situation”.
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The Daily Mail reports the feud between the brothers has taken up “much thought and energy” in the run-up to the event.
The princes are set to come face to face for the first time since Harry quit the UK last year.
Tensions are thought to be high within the family after Harry and Meghan‘s bomshell tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey.
In it, the couple accused senior royals of making racist comments and ignoring Meghan’s cries for help when she was struggling.
It comes as:
- Queen receives a message of condolence from Canadian PM Justin Trudeau
- Royal Family pay heartwarming tribute to Prince Philip as they reveal the ‘unique touches’ duke planned for funeral
- Mike Tindall shares a sweet photo of Prince Philip with daughter Mia
- Meghan and Harry’s pals Omid Scobie and Gayle King to lead US coverage of Philip’s funeral
- Queen takes new puppies for a walk at Frogmore where Harry is staying the night before Philip’s funeral
Harry also claimed his brother was “trapped” in the royal family – before William hit back when questioned by reporters.
But ahead of the funeral the pair say they want the day to be about Philip, rather than their dispute.
One insider said: “To be fair, both William and Harry have made clear that they wish to focus on mourning their grandfather and do not want anything to get in the way of that.
“But it has made everyone doubly nervous about saying anything that could be remotely construed of being critical of the other side. It’s been a minefield.”
The pair will be 12ft apart as they walk behind Philip’s coffin today, as they say goodbye to the figurehead.
They will be separated by Princess Anne’s son Peter Phillips, 43, during the procession as the Queen prepares to bid a poingnant farewell to her husband of 73 years at Windsor Castle.
But sources insist the formation was based purely on “bloodlines and age”.
Once inside the chapel, the brothers will split into pairs with William beside Peter, and Harry next to the Earl of Snowdon.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “This is a funeral. We will not be drawn into those perceptions of drama.
“The arrangements have been agreed and they reflect Her Majesty’s wishes.”
A source told The Mirror: “Tensions are still obviously running high, a lot has been said and wounds are still very raw.
“But there is a realisation that everyone does need to reach some form of resolution, if only for the Queen, who has said it is her wish that the family comes together.
“The family has been united in grief this week and it has given a lot of people pause for thought.
“It is certainly hoped that the period of unity from the darkness of the duke’s passing can be used as a catalyst to come together instead of letting the passage of time deep divisions.”
‘TENSIONS RUNNING HIGH’
Royal biographer Penny Junor said of the brothers’ rift: “The Queen has found an elegant solution to a very awkward problem.
“I imagine it has been difficult but she’s been all over the detail. It is such a terrible shame it has come to this. I think the rift between those two brothers is really tragic.
“After all they have been through together during a difficult childhood and adult life, I hope they can sort it out.”
William has reportedly barely spoken to Harry since he and wife Meghan announced last January they would quit royal duty.
Kensington Palace has not confirmed if the brothers have been in touch since Sunday when Harry flew in from California, where he, Meghan and son Archie now live.
But it is claimed Harry reached out to his brother – along with his father Prince Charles and cousins Beatrice and Eugenie – to “park any disputes” ahead of the funeral.
He and William are also said to be “keen to spend time together as a family” after Philip’s funeral.
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Harry self-isolated at Frogmore Cottage after making the 5,400-mile trip from the US on Sunday.
He travelled without wife Meghan, who is expecting their second child.
She has remained at their home in California on the advice of medics.