Prince Harry's expected absence from a major London event celebrating his late mother's legacy has raised fresh questions over his return to Britain. The Duke of Sussex relocated back to the UK with Meghan Markle and their children just weeks ago.
But he is not expected to attend the Diana Award gala at Raffles London at The OWO on September 18, despite speculation that the couple could make a high-profile appearance. A spokesperson for the Sussexes has strongly denied reports that Prince Harry and his wife are scheduled to attend, insisting: "Facts matter. Accuracy matters."
Expert criticises decision
Yet with Harry now reportedly based in the Cotswolds during term time, his decision to stay away from an event honouring Princess Diana is likely to attract attention. Royal commentator Jameson Stocks, who has been critical about the Sussexes moves in recent years, told the Daily Express that the situation appeared particularly striking given Harry's, 41, repeated commitment to preserving his mother's legacy.
And with Prince William, 44, also closely associated with the charity, the decision risks placing the brothers' long-running estrangement firmly back under the spotlight.
Testing the waters
Jameson suggested Harry may still be testing the waters after returning to Britain following six years in America. He said: "It feels as though he doesn't want to upset Apple cart - perhaps because he is walking on eggshells."
The celebrity chef, who has cooked for the King, suggested the Duke's return to Britain may be about more than securing a UK education for Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Jameson added that the family may well have remained in America had the security battle ended differently. He continued: "If the reports that he will not attend are accurate, I find that incredibly sad."
Shared cause
The timing also makes the decision more striking. The Duke is still expected to attend other events in Britain, including the WellChild Awards, yet appears set to stay away from the Diana Award.
The expert suggested he may simply be keeping a low profile while deciding what comes next, though he admitted the absence is likely to attract criticism. "Personally, I would go - I'd feel proud and stand tall if I had such an inspiring person as a mum," he said.
The most uncomfortable part of Harry's absence is impossible to ignore: the Diana Award is one of the few causes still shared by the estranged brothers. Yet even their involvement in a charity carrying their mother's name has effectively had to be kept apart. At the 2024 ceremony, Prince William delivered a speech and presented awards before his younger brother appeared by video call after he had left.
Jameson described the divide as "genuinely saddening", saying: "The bond between brothers is unique, and as a single parent who has raised my two sons entirely on my own since they were babies, I would be heartbroken if their close relationship did not endure." He argued that years of public criticism have only made the road back harder, adding: "They both need to take a step back and gain some perspective."
Missed opportunity
The Duke could still reportedly contribute to the September event by letter or video message, but that may only raise more questions now he is living within travelling distance of London. Jameson said appearing on a screen would be a missed opportunity. He claimed: "I think Prince Harry has gone from a military man to house husband very quickly."
"If I was him, I would go shoulders back, head held high, proud and strong with his wife by his side."
That is what makes the decision so striking. Harry has repeatedly spoken about the profound impact Diana's death had on him and his determination to preserve her legacy. With the Duke now back on British soil, this could have been a powerful chance to show that his homecoming means something more than a change of address.
