Prince Harry has made a surprise return to the UK, arriving in the country for a poignant anniversary - the death of his mother, Princess Diana. Tomorrow marks 29 years since her death at age 36 following a car crash in Paris. Like her youngest son, Diana reportedly talked about living in the United States after her role within the Royal Family ceased following her divorce from the then Prince Charles.
After six years in the US, Harry has returned to Britain, a move that royal expert Jennie Bond, who knew Diana, said the late princess would approve of.
Diana's Likely Reaction
The former BBC royal correspondent told the Mirror: "All a mother ever wants is for her children to be happy, and I'm sure that went for Diana as well. She herself seriously considered living in the United States after her divorce and would certainly have understood why Harry chose to settle there – until now. I suspect that, in the end, she, too, might have felt the pull of home and have returned."
"Diana worried about both her boys. She worried about the responsibilities that William was destined to shoulder, and she worried about Harry finding his role and place in the hierarchy of the monarchy. Both her sons were quite naughty when they were little and had the usual sibling fights. But Harry was the naughtiest – and the most mischievous. After Diana's death, I think that sense of mischief was replaced by intense grief and anger."
Support for Harry's Choices
Bond added: "I think she would have understood and supported his decision to flee the UK with Meghan and have been so pleased that he had found love and happiness. But I don't think she would have allowed the rift with William to run so deep or so long. She would have found a way to knock their heads together and make peace."
Earlier this summer, Harry, Meghan and their children visited Althorp, the Spencer family home, where Diana is buried. Photos on Meghan's Instagram page showed Lilibet, five, walking through the estate's tree-lined gardens, while Harry and seven-year-old Archie walk ahead carrying bouquets of flowers.
Anniversary Significance
Bond said: "I've no doubt that the visit Harry and his young family made to Diana's grave on their visit in the summer had a profound effect on them all. It's obvious, from his book, Spare, that Harry still feels profoundly close to the mother he lost when he was so young. And I think it will be incredibly important to him to be here in the UK, near to where she is buried, on the anniversary of her death this year – and for the 30th anniversary next year."
There has been no official confirmation of any events as yet next year to mark the 30th anniversary of Diana's death. One tricky situation is the rift between Harry and older brother Prince William, with many questioning whether they would agree to come together for any commemorations given the depth of their feud.
For Bond, if they were able to put their differences aside, it would be the "greatest tribute" to their mother. She said: "This year is probably too early, but perhaps at the commemorations next year. Diana was so proud of her two boys, and she also believed strongly in the monarchy. I'm sure her wish would have been to have them both working to uphold – and modernise – the ancient institution into which they were born. This year, though, William and Harry will undoubtedly remember her in their own way – and, sadly, separately."
