Prince Harry flew across the Atlantic to pay tribute to his late uncle Lord Robert Fellowes, despite earlier reports claiming he wouldn’t be able to make it. Now, a source tells PEOPLE that the memorial service was extremely emotional, and the Duke of Sussex’s touching tribute left guests stunned.
According to the report, “Most people were surprised by Harry’s arrival,” one of the attendees told the outlet. “He was in remarkably good form — and you could tell he was very happy to see everyone. And he was very happy that he was here.”
The funeral took place on August 29, two days before the anniversary of her mother Princess Diana’s death, making her visit all the more significant. Her brother Prince William was also in attendance, but the two reportedly did not speak, despite rumors of a reconciliation.
During the service at St Mary’s Church in Snettisham, Norfolk, the estranged brothers sat with separate groups of their maternal cousins. Sources also claim Harry did not visit his father, King Charles, at Balmoral Castle in Scotland during his ongoing cancer treatment.
Although the ceremony didn’t feature the expected reunion, the Duke of Sussex still got the chance to spend time with his aunts, uncles and cousins - including Fellowes’ widow Lady Jane, Princess Diana’s brother Charles Spencer and Lady Sarah McCorquodale.
Both Prince William and Harry have close ties to the maternal side of their family. Fellowes’ daughter Laura is godmother to Princess Charlotte, daughter of the Prince of Wales. Some of the Spencers accompanied Harry to the service held at St Paul’s Cathedral in May to mark the Invictus Games.
A royal family insider told the outlet that Harry’s appearance wasn’t surprising, “I think it was lovely — and right — that he came and paid his respects,” the source said. Another suggested that after everything the royal family has been through on the health front, he wants to be closer to the family now more than ever. “I think he wants to spend time with people. He’s very close to his mother’s side of the family,” an insider revealed.
