Prince Harry paid an unexpected private visit to St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, where his beloved grandmother rests, on Friday, September 8, to honor the first anniversary of her passing.
The Duke of Sussex attended alone to pay honor on the first anniversary of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Prince Harry at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle
Dressed casually in a white button-down shirt and dark pants, Harry was captured leaving the historic chapel, walking to a waiting vehicle.
Inside, Queen Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip, are eternally laid to rest in the King George VI Memorial Chapel, part of St. George’s Chapel.
Harry’s fleeting visit came ahead of his scheduled trip to Germany for the Invictus Games. The event for wounded veterans has special meaning for the prince.
Harry’s stay at Windsor provided him with a moment of quiet reflection before resuming his public duties.
Prince Harry at the WellChild Awards 2023
The night before, at the WellChild Awards ceremony held in London, Harry paid a heartfelt tribute to his late Grandmother when he was to present the Inspirational Child Award.
“As you know, I was unable to attend the awards last year, as my grandmother passed away. As you also probably know, she would have been the first person to insist that I still come to be with you all instead of going to her.
And that’s precisely why I know, exactly one year on, that she is looking down on all of us tonight, happy we’re together, continuing to spotlight such an incredible community,” Harry, added.
One year after Elizabeth II’s death
The last year has been tumultuous for the youngest son of Charles III. Still mourning his grandmother, Harry has found himself increasingly at odds with the royal family.
After stepping away from official duties with Meghan in 2020, tensions escalated following the couple’s explosive Netflix documentary and Harry’s revelatory memoir Spare.
Queen Elizabeth death anniversary
Across Britain, the bittersweet anniversary was commemorated with cannon salutes and memorial services.
Accession Day has today, Friday 8 September, been marked in Hyde Park 👑
At midday the @KingsTroopRHA fired a 41 Gun Salute to mark one year since His Majesty The King acceded to the throne following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. pic.twitter.com/lxcnJ994ce
— The Royal Parks (@theroyalparks) September 8, 2023
King Charles III and Queen Camilla attended a solemn service at Crathie Kirk Chapel, near Balmoral Castle, where Elizabeth passed away peacefully.
For their part, the Prince and Princess of Wales honored her memory at St. David’s Cathedral in Wales.
A moment of reflection at St Davids Cathedral honouring Her Late Majesty and all that she did for communities like this around the UK, the Commonwealth and the world. pic.twitter.com/44JXfwCc4S
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) September 8, 2023
While the world commemorated this historic day, for Harry the loss will remain intimate and deeply personal. Today, in his moments of solitude at St George’s, he said a private farewell to the beloved grandmother who shaped his life.