The faces are petrified, the disciplined gaze straight ahead: How Princes William and Harry walked behind the coffin of their mother Princess Diana in 1997 is one of the most impressive images of the British monarchy. The bond between the brothers, then 15 and 12, was always close, observers of the Royals know to report. But when Queen Elizabeth II's two grandsons unveil a statue of their mother this Thursday for "Lady Di's" 60th birthday in London, a familiar gang is probably just stuffage.
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The relationship between the princes is - to put it mildly - tense. The British tabloid "Sun" speaks of the "warring brothers". The rift within the royal family is said to be larger than previously known, and the British press has long since identified the culprits: Harry (36 today) and his wife Duchess Meghan (39). Hardly a day goes by without new allegations against the Sussex couple, who broke with their royal duties just over a year ago and emigrated to Meghan's native USA together with their son Archie (now two years old).
There had been hopes that the family would pull themselves together again. TV pictures showed how Harry and William (39) left the church after the funeral of grandfather Prince Philip in April, chatting excitedly. Two hours later, the two are said to have sat down with William's wife Kate (39) and father Charles (72), it was a clarifying conversation after the sensational TV interview with Harry and Meghan in March.
William and Harry: Was there no peace summit at all?
But now British newspapers are reporting that there has never been such a peace summit. William and Kate would have seen no point in talking to Harry. Accordingly, they fear that every word from Meghan and her friends around US star presenter Oprah Winfrey - the "tentacles of the Sussex network" - will be made public, as Robert Lacey wrote in his book "Battle of Brothers". brothers) writes, which appeared in time for Diana's birthday.
The list of excitement is long: First and foremost is the TV interview. British media reports it is revenge - Harry is said to have agreed to it, just hours after his grandmother Elizabeth stripped him of his prized honorary military titles for leaving the royal family. For hours, Harry and Meghan shared against the Royal Family on US television, raising serious allegations of racism. Meghan reported suicidal thoughts triggered by the heavy pressures of life under constant public scrutiny. She received no help in the palace.
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1 out of 10But the interview was only the beginning. In the past few weeks, Harry has complained loudly about life in the royal cage several times, criticizing the empathetic upbringing by father Charles – and thus indirectly also by grandmother Elizabeth. The queen is also at the center of the latest excitement. It can be read in Great Britain that Harry and Meghan only informed the Queen and did not ask for permission that their newborn daughter would be called Lilibet – after the Queen's family nickname. The Sussexes, in turn, firmly defend themselves against this representation.
Princess Diana's accidental death is still traumatic for many Britons
The joint appointment of the brothers actually offers an opportunity for reconciliation or discussion. Many Britons would probably wish for such a reconciliation talk. For her, the accidental death of Diana, the "Queen of Hearts", in the Paris road tunnel is still traumatic. At the time, Diana was on the run from paparazzi, and because of her divorce from Charles, she no longer had state bodyguards by her side.
In Germany, too, the sympathy is still great, RTL will be broadcasting a theme evening on July 1 and publishing a special issue together with the magazine "Gala".
Harry always refers to Diana's fate when trying to explain the move from excited Britain to the US. But it is questionable whether the princes take the time. Harry, who had to isolate himself for several days due to British corona entry rules, will be in England long enough to talk to brother William. For the date on July 1st, however, there is probably only a truce.
They have a lot in common - that's what their daughters are called, each with a first name Diana. But there is hope, if you believe the "Sunday Mail". The Queen, the newspaper writes, wants to invite Harry and Meghan to the 70th anniversary of their accession to the throne next year – the Queen is giving the couple the “peace branch”.
