Prince Harry made a secret visit to see a family member during his recent trip to the UK, which an expert says signals a desire to mend ties with the royal family. During his four-day return, the Duke of Sussex met with his father King Charles for a 55-minute private tea at Clarence House, their first meeting since February 2024.
Harry also visited Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, at Kensington Palace to pay his respects following the death of the Duke's wife, Katharine, the Duchess of Kent, who passed away on 4 September at the age of 92. The prince did not attend the Duchess's funeral at Westminster Cathedral, instead travelling to Ukraine for a pre-arranged meeting with injured soldiers.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told the Mirror that the meeting with the Duke of Kent was a significant gesture. 'I think it's a sign that Harry very much wants to remain part of the royal family,' she said. 'But that doesn't mean he wants to be part of the institution. Family ties seem to mean a lot to him these days.'
Bond noted that the Duke and Duchess of Kent attended Harry and Meghan's wedding, and Harry likely felt compelled to offer his condolences in person. 'I think he felt it important to go to see the Duke and express his condolences personally,' she added. 'We know that he is seeking reconciliation, and this was just another small step to show that he does still care about his relatives.'
Regarding Harry's absence from the funeral, Bond suggested it was a wise decision to avoid drawing attention away from the Duchess. 'No one has confirmed whether he was or wasn't invited,' she said. 'But he would have known that the headlines would have been all about him and this was a day for the Duchess. So I think it was wise for him to stay away.'
