It seemed as if time had been turned back for a little while. With their spouses at their sides, William and Harry exude the same sense of friendliness that we all used to take for granted.
It was almost as if the brotherly love that had been so tragically missing for the previous two years had suddenly and mysteriously reappeared.
It was unavoidably unpleasant and at times both of them seemed tense, Harry looking particularly apprehensive as they paid tribute to his grandmother on Saturday afternoon by interacting with well-wishers and admiring the flowers outside Windsor Castle’s gates.
Their shared dependence had been an enduring and lovable aspect of the royal saga for so many years, but following Harry and Meghan’s painful separation from the Royal Family, that trust and dependency—which had been created from the devastating death of their mother when they were young—had disappeared.
That once-commonplace camaraderie was replaced with silence, contempt, and hatred. Up until that unexpected public reunion over the weekend, it appeared that nothing could mend the divide, not the pleadings of family and friends, not even parenting, a shared love for them both.
The two couples strolled among the throng for 45 minutes, shaking hands and taking flowers and condolences to add to the mounting memorials while also thanking the people for their support.
Of course, it was a potent echo of photos from 25 years before, when the brothers had addressed mourners outside Kensington Palace after the death of Princess Diana.
The feeling of belonging to one another lingered even after their walkabout was over. The four of them got into the same vehicle and drove up the Long Walk toward Frogmore Cottage, his brother and sister-in-house law’s in the UK, with William driving quite decisively.
Last night, the debate centred on whether this unusual instance of unification offered anything beyond symbolism. Is it really a reconciliation, the start of one, or was it just a cease-fire?
Its significance for the monarchy’s long-term viability cannot be understated. The announcement of King Charles as the next king was overshadowed by images of the new Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, serving as a reminder to him, should he need it, of the star quality of his sons and their brides.
Prince William took the initiative, but Harry had to concur. And it represents a bit of a breakthrough all by itself. Both are obstinate, and each has laid the blame for the distance on the other.
The fact that it occurred at all is all the more amazing in light of Harry’s apparent marginalisation and the events that took place on Thursday in the hours leading up to and after the Queen’s passing.
William travelled to Scotland by plane with his uncles Andrew and Edward. Harry’s disappearance has not been explained, although there are many rumours.
According to some sources, Harry requested Meghan go with him before it was made clear to him that Kate wouldn’t be there to support her husband.
As a result, Harry flew alone on a privately chartered jet and arrived at Balmoral many hours after his grandmother had passed away. The Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex had joined their sister Princess Anne at Balmoral Castle, but Charles stayed there instead of going to join his father and brother who were residing at Charles’s residence Birkhall.
The new king and his heir attended one of the two meals being held on the royal estate that evening, while the rest of the family attended the other, according to an insider.
By Saturday, things had advanced quickly: King Charles III had taken the oath of office, while in Scotland, Anne, Andrew, Edward, and their kids were expressing their gratitude to the mourning who had arrived to pay their respects at Balmoral.
The expectation was that William and Kate would carry out a similar task in Windsor. William, who had earlier suggested to his brother that they may inspect the flowers together, is said to have texted Harry at some point that day with a suggested time, which Harry is believed to have acknowledged.
It occurred quite rapidly, which is astonishing given that they didn’t interact in Scotland, said the source.
The action was undoubtedly crucial. One thing we now know is that, contrary to what was widely reported over the weekend, their father did not order it to be done. Such accusations are “absolutely not the case,” according to a royal source. It is also untrue that William took action only after knowing that Harry had decided to go on his own walkabout amid the masses with a TV team in tow. Complete b******s, according to one source.
But since the brothers were talking to one another, the walkabout, which was initially scheduled for 4.30 pm, was delayed by 45 minutes, emphasising the last-minute character of the olive branch.
But it is indisputable that it was no accident that Charles made a point of expressing his affection for Harry and Meghan in his first broadcast speech as Sovereign on Friday. This must have given William more confidence to behave as he did.
According to what is known, William believed that in order to honour the Queen at this time of national grief, there needed to be a demonstration of solidarity. Becoming through the next days without getting distracted can only be a positive thing, as one source put it: “These following days are going to be incredibly stressful.”
Was that anything other than pragmatism, though? When Prince Philip passed away in April of last year, the brothers were pushed to try and patch things up. There was optimism when they were seen leaving St. George’s chapel together to go back to the castle right after the ceremony.
However, the divide persisted and the hope was misguided. The situation hasn’t changed in the interim months, and Harry’s upcoming book hangs over the relationship and its potential for recovery. One person is heard saying, “William loves his brother, but there is this issue of trust.”
This matter will ultimately determine whether Saturday’s walkabout signals a major shift in the brothers’ relationship or just a brief respite.
Many people will not want more evidence of their reconciliation since they saw the couple conversing with the audience and inspecting the flower tributes together. Of course, such is the wonder of monarchy.
Long after their divorce, William and Harry’s parents continued to put on a convincing front of unity at public occasions, such the 1995 celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. They even consented to being photographed when travelling together to see their boys participate in school activities.
In actuality, they would often split into different automobiles as soon as they were out of sight for photographers. Since their Range Rover managed to avoid long lenses, cynics would thus be excused for questioning whether that is what really occurred in Windsor Great Park on Saturday.
What are the prospects for a reconciliation in such case? Slightly, but not impossible, said one knowledgeable person. According to the insider, “the issue is that they haven’t talked much in the last two years, and there is both anger and sadness over it all on both sides.”
Each anticipates an apology from the other. It will take more than just texting to bring these two feuding princes together if the passing of their grandma is to remain a soother for them.
What form might a resolution take? It is essential that Harry’s book gets published. The “definitive record” of his “experiences, adventures, losses, and life lessons” has been promised. Could publication still be halted at this point, or is he subject to the restrictions of a restricted contract?
For William, the breakdown in his relationship with his brother is really rooted in the problem of trust. He worries that a book that exposes any personal family information would make reconciliation impossible.
What about their other business ventures, which were crucial to supporting the Sussexes’ California lifestyle and paying their security expenses? Harry and Meghan will return to the US and go on with their life and all it implies is if the brothers are unable to come to an understanding.
Harry’s friends are quick to point out that the pair can also be practical. They note that Meghan has cancelled her participation on a US talk programme as well as the next edition of her Archetypes podcast. Additionally, the duo cancelled their presentation at this week’s UN General Assembly.
Could such actions also be seen as an olive branch?
Some now claim that it is likely that Harry and Meghan might once again be awarded the worldwide positions previously suggested for them due to the influence and goodwill of a new reign and his father’s generosity.
However, it is difficult to see how Meghan, who has expressed such strong disapproval of royal life, could consent to any agreement that would limit her freedom of speech. And eventually, that may render any peace proposal useless.
How the Sussexes act in the next days might have a big impact. They don’t yet know what their own plans are. Will Meghan stay in the nation till the burial even if Harry is anticipated to? She had already spent more than a week away from her kids. There are rumours that her mother Doria may go to Britain with Archie and Lilibet so they may be reunited with their parents, rather than going back to the US and then travelling back.
That William and Harry will be able to reflect on how they—and the Royal Family—are better and stronger together than they are apart may be the best way to see Saturday’s exercise amid the mourning outside the gates of Windsor Castle.
The troops on the Western Front during the First World War, who conducted their own truce with the enemy on Christmas Day in order to play football, are now the closest comparison to the events of the previous few days.
They famously went back to their trenches and continued fighting.
Such a possibility worries the next King. Even though he may not have specifically told his boys to get together on Saturday, he really wished for it.
The Daily Mail is aware that he talked with both of them the day after his declaration.
His primary stance is to “figure things out,” according to an adviser. He despises conflict of any type, but he does recognise his sons’ potential at this time of sadness.
The Prince said, “Ooh,” and then said of a young person, “And how does it make you feel?
The pair may be losing support, but things might be changing.
Charles III said he wanted to “convey my affection for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives abroad” in his first speech to the country as king.
Prince William invited the California-based couple to meet the public alongside himself and Princess Catherine as he extended a “11th hour” olive branch to his brother.
Even while some people blanked Meghan and seemed to refuse to shake her hand, one girl even gave the American actress a hug. The public has also warmed up to Harry once again.
It could be the first indication that the British people is ready to pardon Harry and Meghan for their recent insults and allegations directed at the Queen and the Royal Family.
However, reconciliation would be difficult if Harry and Meghan’s future writings spark more contentious discussions at the Palace.
While Harry is getting ready to publish a book with Penguin Random House for which he allegedly received a $20 million advance payment, Meghan has recently begun a podcast series on Spotify for which she is earning around $18 million.
Even so, the public has honoured Britain’s longest-reigning monarch by applauding and cheering the royal family in the days after the Queen’s passing.
One admirer wrote: “Say what you will about Harry and Meghan, but he puts his arm around her back and opens her vehicle door for her.” Well-wishers flocked to social media to laud the prince. He adores her. That makes me swoon, ”
Harry and Meghan clasped hands as they saw the tributes, with Harry at one point tenderly placing his palm on Meghan’s back. Harry and Meghan left frontline responsibilities two years ago to strike out on their own in California and later made a number of shocking accusations about The Firm.
Members of the audience waved at them as they were spotted pointing to various tributes and talking about them.
It’s wonderful to see Harry and Meghan together, one well-wisher who chatted with them told MailOnline. They may be able to resume their original relationship.
As they drew near, a lovely wave spread over the audience. Hopefully, this will be the beginning of Harry and his brother’s reconciliation. Simply said, I’m over the moon to having seen them both together. It’s beautiful.
Another mourner remarked: “When the gates opened, we watched William and Harry go down with Meghan and Kate. We couldn’t believe it.”
I’ll admit that there was a little bit of a grumble as Harry and Meghan walked by our side, but he was glad to accept the flowers I handed him.
“As a family, I’m thrilled that they all took the time to come and say hello to the public. I’m happy that they came out together.”
Funerals and other sad events bring families together, so I hope that when they return to California, they will reflect carefully on all that has transpired.
After lengthy negotiations that added at least 45 minutes to the Sussexes’ arrival time, Harry finally took place.
According to royal insiders, after speaking over the phone with his father Charles III, William asked his younger brother Harry to accompany him for a walkabout outside Windsor Castle in an effort to put the past behind them.
William and Harry left with spouses Kate and Meghan in a move that undoubtedly gratified the thousands of royal admirers who had gathered at the gates of the Windsor estate to mourn the Queen’s passing.
The Prince of Wales asked the Sussexes to accompany him and the Princess of Wales on their walkabout yesterday evening, according to a Kensington Palace spokeswoman last night.
The Times claims that lengthy talks were needed before the campers arrived, which added 45 minutes to their arrival time.
The Prince of Wales asked the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to join him and the Princess of Wales earlier, a senior palace source said. At a very trying period for the family, the Prince of Wales believed it was crucial for the Queen to display her family’s togetherness.
According to experts, the event might mark a turning point in the strained relationship between the newly-titled Waleses and the Sussexes, who have been at odds since Harry and Meghan gave a string of negative interviews.
In the wake of the Queen’s abrupt decline on Thursday, the Sussexes of Montecito were in the UK on a fictitious royal visit.
Even though they were staying at Frogmore Cottage, which is just 700 yards from William and Kate’s Adelaide Cottage, it is thought that the Sussexes had not previously made any arrangements to meet with the Waleses.
However, when it became apparent that the Queen’s health was deteriorating on Thursday, both William and Harry hurried to Balmoral.
Later, the friend and favourite journalist of the Sussexes, Omid Scobie, said on Twitter that the invitation was extended at the “11th hour.”
He added: “It is, without a question, a critical time in the history of the relationship between the two brothers,” dropping a hint that William is willing to reach out to Harry and try to break the ice between them.