During his latest visit to the U.K., Prince Harry took a deeply personal detour to Althorp House, the historic family estate of his late mother, Princess Diana.
The Duke of Sussex, now 39, spent time at the home of his uncle, Charles Spencer, following a surprise appearance at the memorial service for his uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes, held on August 29.
Prince Harry’s Visit to Althorp House
According to sources, Prince Harry’s stay at Althorp House, where Diana grew up and is buried, was filled with reflection and connection. His uncle, Charles Spencer, chose not to comment publicly on the matter.
The memorial service for Lord Robert Fellowes, who was married to Diana’s sister Lady Jane, was attended by both Prince Harry and his elder brother Prince William, 42, along with other family members, including Lady Sarah McCorquodale, another of Diana’s sisters.
The gathering occurred just two days before the 27th anniversary of Princess Diana’s death on August 31, 1997. She tragically died at the age of 36 following a car crash in Paris and is laid to rest on a small island in the middle of Round Oval Lake at Althorp.
Marking the anniversary of his sister’s death, Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, which featured a collage of personal photographs and clippings from Diana’s early life, including her christening and a joyful image of her playing as a child.
Earlier this year, Spencer celebrated his 60th birthday with a unique and touching gift: a beautifully handcrafted wooden boat made by a friend’s husband. The boat, specially designed for Charles, allows him to cross the lake to visit Diana’s resting place, reinforcing the deep bond he continues to feel with his sister.
Although Prince Harry and Prince William both attended Lord Fellowes’ memorial service at St. Mary’s Church in Snettisham, Norfolk, they chose to sit apart, surrounded by different groups of maternal cousins.
Prince Harry’s visit to Althorp also reaffirmed the strong connection he maintains with his mother’s family. Lady Jane Fellowes, Charles Spencer, and many of the Spencer cousins had previously supported him during his Invictus Games event at St. Paul’s Cathedral in May, where no senior members of the royal family were present.