Royal Rift Deepens as Prince Harry Skips Duchess of Kent’s Funeral Despite King Charles Tribute
The British royal family is once again in the spotlight following the death of Katharine, Duchess of Kent, at the age of 92. Senior royals including King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Kate Middleton paid tribute to the Duchess, who had long been admired for her service and quiet influence. But all eyes are now on Prince Harry, whose absence from her funeral is already raising questions.
The Duchess of Kent, who was married to Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, had stepped back from royal duties in the 1990s but remained a beloved figure for her devotion to charity and music education. Her passing has been marked by an outpouring of tributes not only from the royal household but also from the public.
King Charles and Queen Camilla led the tributes, sharing a heartfelt message that described the Duchess as a “much-missed member of the family” who had shown lifelong dedication to causes close to her heart. Prince William and Kate Middleton echoed this sentiment, praising her compassion and her commitment to music and young people.
While senior royals publicly honored the Duchess, Prince Harry reportedly reached out in private. According to a journalist linked to the Daily Express, Harry sent personal condolences to the Duke of Kent, expressing his sympathy despite the physical distance from his family.
Harry is expected to arrive in London on September 8 to attend the annual WellChild Awards, a charity event he has supported for years. His visit, however, will only last four days, and sources say he will return to California before the Duchess’s funeral on September 16. This means he will miss the service at Westminster Cathedral, an absence already drawing speculation.
Observers note that Harry’s decision not to stay for the funeral could widen the already tense rift between him and the rest of the royal family. Critics argue that his absence will be seen as yet another sign of detachment, while supporters suggest that his packed charity schedule and transatlantic commitments make it impossible for him to remain longer.
Adding to the intrigue is the question of whether Harry will meet his father, King Charles, during this short UK trip. While reports have suggested that a private meeting is being considered, no official confirmation has been made. Insiders note that if such a meeting does take place, it would likely happen under strict conditions to avoid any future misunderstandings.
For many royal watchers, Harry’s absence from the funeral is particularly poignant given the Duchess of Kent’s support of him in earlier years. She attended his wedding to Meghan Markle in 2018 and had often been seen as a unifying figure within the wider royal family.
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The Duchess of Kent was admired for her humility. After stepping back from royal duties in 1996, she quietly taught music at a primary school under the name “Mrs. Kent.” Her love of music and passion for young people defined much of her charitable work, which will be remembered alongside her decades of royal service.
Despite this, the headlines remain focused on Prince Harry. His strained relationship with his father and brother means that any return to the UK is dissected in detail. The timing of his visit so close to the funeral but ending before it has only added fuel to the ongoing narrative of division.
Royal commentators suggest that Harry’s absence will be felt not only by his relatives but also by the public, who often look to moments of mourning as opportunities for family unity. Missing the funeral risks cementing the impression that Harry and Meghan no longer see themselves as part of the monarchy’s collective identity.
Still, others argue that his private message of condolence shows he does care about family milestones, even if his public actions suggest otherwise. For Harry, balancing his charitable work with his fractured royal ties remains one of the greatest challenges of his post-royal life.
As the royal family prepares to bid farewell to the Duchess of Kent, the contrast between the public tributes of King Charles, Queen Camilla, William, and Kate and Harry’s quieter response highlights just how deep the divide runs.
The funeral on September 16 will mark the end of an era for the royal household. Yet the absence of Prince Harry at Westminster Cathedral will also symbolize how far the once-close family has drifted apart—and just how uncertain reconciliation remains
