Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, visited the burial site of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, on the third anniversary of her death, making a private tribute at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor while remaining apart from other senior members of the royal family.
The visit on Sept. 8 came during a brief trip from California that included speaking at the WellChild Awards, a charity event Harry has long supported. He brought a wreath of flowers to the late monarch’s grave, and his wife, Meghan, and the couple’s two children, Archie and Lilibet, did not accompany him on the trip.
Royal commentators said the visit appeared intended to mark the anniversary and to uphold the charity commitments that brought him to Britain, but they expressed skepticism that it would lead to reconciliation with senior royals. Richard Fitzwilliams, a royal expert, said Harry’s private visit was appropriate for the anniversary but noted the lasting strain caused by the couple’s actions during a previous visit.
"Since he has arrived in Britain on the third anniversary of the Queen’s death, it is only fitting that Harry pays his private respects at her grave at St George’s Chapel in Windsor," Fitzwilliams said. "However, it will not be forgotten that he and Meghan made Queen Elizabeth’s last year extremely difficult."
Helena Chard, another royal analyst, emphasized the practical purpose of Harry’s trip, noting his role at the WellChild Awards, which marked its 20th anniversary. Harry presented awards and met winners, at times referencing his strained relationship with his family in conversation with recipients.
Earlier the same day, Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, paid a separate tribute by visiting a local Women’s Institute, and there was no public sign of contact between the brothers. Fitzwilliams said it appeared unlikely William would meet Harry during his short stay, adding that the two reportedly have not spoken in years.
Queen Elizabeth died Sept. 8, 2022, at Balmoral Castle. Harry and Meghan stepped back from senior royal duties in 2020, citing intrusive press coverage and a lack of institutional support. After relocating to California, the couple aired grievances in interviews and documentaries; Harry’s 2023 memoir, Spare, and other public disclosures further strained relations with the royal household.
King Charles III, 76, and Prince Harry have not met in person since February 2024, when they had a brief encounter soon after Buckingham Palace disclosed that the king had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer. Royal commentators said a meeting between father and son during this visit seemed unlikely, given the continuing tensions.
Fox News Digital reported that representatives for Harry and Buckingham Palace were contacted for comment. There was no immediate public response from the palace or from the duke’s representatives.
The visit highlighted the ongoing private and public separation within the House of Windsor even as members observe significant family dates. Observers said the anniversary visit allowed Harry to fulfill personal and charitable obligations while maintaining the physical distance that has characterized much of his relationship with senior royals since 2020.
Harry’s trip to Britain was brief, and sources said he planned only a short stay to attend the awards and mark the anniversary. He has publicly expressed a desire for reconciliation in the past; in May he told the BBC he would "love reconciliation" with his family but acknowledged barriers remained. The events of the day underscored how personal commemoration and public duties continue to intersect with unresolved disputes among members of the royal family.