Prince Harry Attends Invictus Awards Amidst Memoir Revelations
The Duke of Sussex made his first public appearance in London since returning to Britain, coinciding with the publication of controversial excerpts from his uncle Earl Spencer's memoir.
Prince Harry attended the inaugural Invictus Spirit Awards in London, marking his first public engagement since his return to Britain. The Duke of Sussex, dressed in a black tie and wearing military medals, was seen posing for photographs and taking selfies outside the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, where the ceremony was held. The event celebrated the courage and commitment of individuals and organizations within the Invictus community, with five prizes awarded for resilience, service, and an unconquered spirit.
Harry's appearance occurred on the same day that excerpts from his uncle Earl Spencer's memoir, "Swan Song: Diana, My Sister," were published. The memoir alleges that King Charles told Earl Spencer shortly after Princess Diana's death that he believed she would 'soon be forgotten.' One passage in the memoir claims Charles sounded 'giddily elated – like a lottery winner' during a phone call with Spencer following Diana's 1997 death. Spencer also wrote that he suspected the then-Prince of Wales's reaction was less about grief and more about the prospect of marrying Camilla Parker Bowles. The memoir further suggests Diana had contemplated suicide at Beachy Head and had told her brother that her husband was in love with his valet.
A source close to Prince Harry indicated that while he was aware of his uncle's memoir, he had not read it. The Royal Family's Palace responded to the memoir's claims with a statement suggesting that "the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason."
Earlier in the day, Prince Harry visited Imperial College London for an event with Save The Children. He participated in a panel discussion and viewed advanced prosthetics designed for children injured in conflict. During his remarks, Harry stated, "Children should not be exposed to conflict. They should not be losing limbs to blast. But whilst children continue to suffer, I will keep working to ensure they can live life to the full."
Other senior royals were seen carrying out engagements on the same day. King Charles addressed AI developers at Dumfries House, while Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, visited the Isle of Bute. The Duchess of Edinburgh was in Zambia, and the Princess Royal attended the opening of a new History Centre at the German Military Cemetery in Staffordshire.