Prince Harry wrote ‘deeply personal’ note to Prince Charles to ‘set things straight’ ahead of Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral

It’s claimed he didn’t know what to expect upon his return to the UK

Prince Harry arrives for the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on April 17, 2021
(Image credit: Photo by Victoria Jones - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Prince Harry reportedly wrote a “deeply personal” note to Prince Charles before the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral in an attempt to "set things straight".

Prince Harry reunited with his father and brother in person for the first time in over a year as they came together to pay their respects to Prince Philip at his funeral on April 17. The Duke of Edinburgh, described by Harry in a touching tribute as a “legend of banter” was an integral part of the Royal Family and the Queen’s beloved husband of 73 years

Though Harry and William were “cleverly” separated at the Duke of Edinburgh’s poignant funeral service at St George’s Chapel, the brothers did speak to each other afterward. They also reportedly reunited for two hours with their father Prince Charles at Windsor Castle after this sad family occasion. This has been viewed by some as a hopeful step towards easing rumored tensions between them. 

Following Harry and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex’s shocking Oprah interview airing, he reportedly had conversations with William and Charles that were “not productive”. Now, however, it’s been claimed that Harry reached out to his father ahead of his grandfather’s funeral in an attempt to set things straight. 

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According to The Mirror, sources shared how Prince Harry has resorted to writing letters to his father, which "outlined his reasons for leaving" while promising to "respect the institution". 

The publication also reports that he wrote a note to his father ahead of his return to the UK to attend Prince Philip’s funeral. 

A royal source supposedly revealed: “Truth be told, Harry didn’t really know what to expect before he came home, which is why he reached out before seeing everyone.

“He wrote a deeply personal note to his dad to try and set things straight but tensions are still running high and things haven’t exactly ironed out the way he had hoped."

The Duke of Edinburgh’s coffin, covered with His Royal Highness’s Personal Standard is seen on the purpose built Land Rover, followed by members of the Royal Family

(Image credit: Photo by Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage via Getty)

The source continued: “There had been a kind of unspoken agreement between everyone to park whatever has been on each person’s mind, and solely concentrate on supporting the Queen ahead of Prince Philip’s funeral. 

“The feeling inside the camp was that it wasn’t the time nor the place to go over things, especially at such an emotional time for everybody involved.”

Prince Harry’s attendance at the funeral is thought to be the first time he’s reunited with his family in person since his and Meghan’s dramatic Oprah interview aired last month.

“Harry didn’t expect everything to be completely back to normal but his feeling after seeing his family was there is a lot of ground to make up”, the source said.

“Whether that is harder or easier to do on the other side of the world remains to be seen.”

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!