Since his mother, Princess Diana’s passing, Prince Harry has maintained a strong connection with his late mother’s family. Diana grew up with three siblings, including her older sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, as well as her younger brother Charles, 9th Earl Spencer, who currently oversees her childhood home, the Althorp estate in Northampton.
Prince Harry recently flew from the US to the UK to attend his uncle Lord Robert Fellowes’ funeral in Snettisham, Norfolk. Lord Fellowes, who was previously an equerry to the late queen, was married to Diana’s sister, Lady Jane Fellowes. During his visit, Harry reportedly stayed with his uncle Charles at Althorp, which is where Princess Diana’s final resting place is located.
The Spencer family, including Diana’s siblings and their children, have consistently supported both Prince William and Prince Harry throughout their lives. For example, when Harry marked the tenth anniversary of his Invictus Games, senior royals were notably absent. However, Harry’s uncle Charles, aunt Lady Jane, and cousins George McCorquodale, Ned Spencer, and Louis Spencer were all in attendance.
Prince Harry’s warm relationship with his aunts and uncles was evident during the unveiling of a statue dedicated to Princess Diana in the gardens of Kensington Palace in July 2021. The Spencers were also present at Harry and Meghan’s royal wedding in 2018, with Lady Jane even reading during the ceremony. Additionally, Harry’s aunts Lady Sarah and Lady Jane attended Prince Archie’s christening and appeared in an official portrait to commemorate the event.
Prince Harry has also taken his wife, Meghan, to visit his uncle Charles at Althorp. In the epilogue of his memoir “Spare,” released in January 2023, Harry reminisced about the emotional moment he and Meghan paid their respects at Princess Diana’s grave. He described a poignant scene where they rowed across to the private island on the estate, with Uncle Charles giving them a little shove and his aunts waving goodbye.
Prince Harry’s deep bond with Princess Diana’s family showcases the enduring love and support that has surrounded him since his mother’s tragic passing. Through moments of grief, celebration, and remembrance, the Spencer family has been a consistent source of strength and connection for both Prince Harry and Prince William. Their shared memories and special moments honor the legacy of Princess Diana and continue to deepen the ties between the royal family and their extended relatives.