Prince Harry has decided not to attend the funeral of his uncle Robert Fellowes, Ripe News can confirm. Fellowes, the brother-in-law of the late Princess Diana and a former private secretary to Queen Elizabeth II, passed away on July 29 at the age of 82. His death marks a significant loss for the Spencer family, with Fellowes being an uncle to both Prince Harry and Prince William.
Fellowes served as Queen Elizabeth’s private secretary from 1990 to 1999, a period that included some of the most challenging years of her reign. He was married to Lady Jane Fellowes, Princess Diana’s older sister, and the couple had three children: Laura Jane Fellowes, 44, Alexander Robert Fellowes, 41, and Eleanor Ruth Fellowes, 38.
Despite the close family ties, Prince Harry, 39, will not be returning to the U.K. to attend his uncle’s memorial service. According to sources, the Duke of Sussex has been in touch with his Spencer relatives, including his aunt Lady Jane and his cousins, following Fellowes’ death. He also reached out to his uncle Charles Spencer, the younger brother of Diana, to express his condolences.
The decision to miss the funeral coincides with Harry and Meghan Markle’s upcoming trip to Colombia, which is centered around a new initiative under their Archewell Foundation. The couple’s visit is aimed at addressing online safety for children, a cause they have been increasingly vocal about in recent years. Their trip comes ahead of the first Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, which is scheduled to be held in Colombia in November.
In a statement earlier this month, Colombia’s Vice President Francia Márquez emphasized the significance of Harry and Meghan’s visit. “Their visit comes at a particularly significant time, as it precedes the first Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children,” Márquez said. She highlighted that the conference would focus on creating safer physical and digital spaces, tackling issues such as cyberbullying, online exploitation, and the mental health impacts of these threats.
Harry and Meghan are expected to participate in several activities related to this initiative during their time in Colombia. The couple has been open about their concerns regarding online bullying, particularly as it relates to children and teenagers. Their Archewell Foundation’s project, The Parents Network, aims to provide resources and support for parents navigating the challenges of the digital age.
In a recent interview on CBS Sunday Morning, Meghan spoke at length about the couple’s dedication to this cause. “All you want to do as parents is protect them. And so as we can see what’s happening in the online space, we know that there’s a lot of work to be done there,” Meghan shared. “We’re just happy to be able to be a part of a change for good.”
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Prince Harry also opened up about the impact of social media on young people, particularly in relation to the tragic connection between online bullying and teen suicides. “There is a through line, I think. When you’ve been through any level of pain or trauma, I believe part of our healing journey, certainly part of mine, is being able to be really open about it,” Meghan added, reflecting on her own struggles with mental health.
The couple, who are parents to Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3, are passionate about using their platform to address these pressing issues. They have consistently emphasized the need for greater awareness and action in creating safer online environments for children.
Prince Harry’s relationship with his family remains complex and, at times, strained. As the youngest son of King Charles III and Princess Diana, Harry once shared a close bond with his older brother, Prince William. However, as they grew older, their relationship became more complicated, with tensions arising in recent years.
While Harry’s decision to skip his uncle’s funeral may raise questions, his commitment to his work with Meghan on crucial social issues continues to take precedence. The couple’s upcoming trip to Colombia reflects their ongoing efforts to make a meaningful impact on the world stage, particularly in areas that align with their values and personal experiences
