Prince Harry regrets leaving royal life behind – family's show of unity rubs in how much he's given up, expert claims
11/11/2024 12:50 PM
PRINCE Harry may regret abandoning royal life after seeing his family’s display of solidarity, an expert claims.
Royal Biographer Hugo Vickers has revealed how the Duke of Sussex may not be feeling too confident in his decision to drop royal duties.
On Remembrance Sunday, the royal family “came out in force” and perhaps reminded the prince what solidarity looks like.
Hugo said: “There was a tremendously sort of a united family, and there were one or two rather touching gestures, for example, when Sophie put her arm on Catherine’s back, sort of reassuring as she left.
“And I just thought, this is a family sticking together.
“It would be very surprising if he watched it all if there wasn’t a sort of a bit of a pang of regret thinking ‘well, that’s what I’ve given up, and that’s what I’ve said goodbye to as I sit out here in Montecito in the sun.'”
The family gathered in at the Centograph to remember the lives of many British soldiers that were lost fighting for their country.
King Charles led the two-minute silence and, along with Prince William and Prince Edward, lay a wreath at the national war memorial.
Princess Kate and Princess Sophie paid their respect from the Foreign Office balcony as thousands of veterans gathered for the Royal British Legion’s march.
Hugo added: “They like showing unity, and they like to do their duty, and they like to come out and show respect for all the fallen.”
He suggested the annual event in Westminster may have provoked feelings of remorse from dropping out of family traditions.
The royal historian used visit the Duke of Windsor’s house, which was full of reminders of Prince Harry’s earlier life.
He said: “All the servants were in livery, there were coronets everywhere, there were regimental drums, maps of his travels, and it, you know, it was quite obvious that he missed what he had given up.”
Despite serving the army for ten years, including two tours of Afghanistan and achieving the rank of captain, Prince Harry missed out on the royal reunion.
However the Duke of Sussex marked the occasion in his own way from the US.
In a statement published the Sussex.com website, he wrote: “As you continue to serve making valued contributions to communities, colleagues, households and all those we love my hope is that our communities will continue to serve your needs too.
“Your contributions do not stop because you no longer wear the uniform, and the collective sense of appreciation for what you have done for your countries should not stop either. Let today be a reminder that the true measure of gratitude is not in words alone, but in our actions and our ongoing efforts to build a world worthy of the sacrifices that those before us have made and to protect it for generations to come.
“To all those who have served – past and present – I offer my deepest respect and thanks. Your service has made a lasting, positive impact for our communities, our nations, and our shared future.
“I am honored to stand with you.”
After stepping down from their royal duties Harry and Meghan haven’t attended the ceremony since 2019.
The couple instead were spotted laying flowers on the graves of two soldiers at the Los Angeles National Cemetery.
The Sun has reached out to Archewell for a comment.
Royal fans touched by Kate's appearance - after flying 450 miles
By Emily-Jane Heap
ROMAIN Fehlen and his wife Kim Fehlen-Hassel travelled 450 miles from Stuttgart in Germany to attend today's Remembrance Sunday service.
Technology sales assistant Kim, 52, told The Sun: "I was astonished by how many people turned up and how respectful people are during the minute's silence.
"It was great to see the Royal family come to pay their respects, given that both the Princess of Wales and the King are battling cancer.
"It was particularly good to see Kate back out and healthy enough to work and support her husband. She looks very bright and healthy."
Retired journalist Romain, 68, added: "It is our first time back in London in 10 years and we wanted to see how the UK commemorates Remembrance Sunday.
"I was pleased to see King Charles and Princess Kate in attendance as we had heard they have both been ill. I hope this means they are both on the mend now."
Before the ceremony began, Keith and Lynn Etherington-Banks said they were "very excited" to see the Princess of Wales back on duty today.
The couple travelled two hours from Portsmouth – arriving in London a day early on Saturday to make sure they got a good spot at the Cenotaph.
Lynn, 63, said: "We're very excited to see Princess Kate with the rest of the Royal family today. It's great to see her back working after a tough year."
Former Royal Marine cadet Keith, 60, added: "We're big fans of the Royals. It's been a difficult year for them, so it will be good to see Kate out in public again.
"We wanted to pay our respects today as we both come from military families. We always watch the Remembrance Sunday service but this is the first time we've made it here in person."
Melissa Smith, 40, also from Portsmouth, told The Sun: "I come from a military town and my both sets of my grandparents served – across all three forces. It felt important to be at the Cenotaph today.
"The Royal family are a huge part of the Remembrance service, so it will be great to see Kate joining them today after being so unwell."
