Prince Harry faces a heartbreaking dilemma. The Duke of Sussex is unable to attend the funeral of his beloved uncle, Lord Fellowes, due to ongoing security restrictions.
The royal family is in mourning following the death of Lord Fellowes, Prince Harry’s uncle, who passed away on July 29 at the age of 82. Lord Fellowes was known for his distinguished role as Queen Elizabeth II’s private secretary and his close ties to the Spencer family. His passing marks a somber moment for both Prince Harry and his relatives.
Lord Robert Fellows arrives to the High Court on February 12, 2008, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Lord Fellowes was born in Sandringham in 1941. He enjoyed a notable career, serving as a trusted confidant to the Queen. He married Lady Jane Spencer, Princess Diana’s elder sister, in 1978, further entwining his life with the royal family’s story.
Lady Jane Fellowes and Robert Fellowes at Westminster Abbey on February 15, 2011, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
His death has left many reflecting on his significant role in the tapestry of the British ruling class. As the royal family gathers to bid farewell to Lord Fellowes, Prince Harry faces a significant obstacle in attending his beloved uncle’s funeral.
Baron Robert Fellowes at the Parish Church of St. Nicholas in Gayton on September 14, 2013, near King’s Lynn, England. | Source: Getty Images
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020 and relocating to the US, Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, have been stripped of taxpayer-funded security in the UK. This means they now must cover the cost of police protection out of their own pockets.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the 2024 ESPY Awards on July 11, 2024, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Compounding the situation is the current UK law that requires Harry to notify British officials of any travel plans to the UK at least 28 days in advance. With this rule in place, Harry has unfortunately missed the deadline to arrange his visit for Lord Fellowes’ funeral.
Sir Robert Fellowes and Lady Jane Fellowes at All Saints Church, Sudbourne on April 2, 2011, in Woodbridge, England. | Source: Getty Images
Despite this, Harry has been in touch with his family during this time of loss. He has reached out to his aunt, Lady Jane, and his cousins, as well as his late mother Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, demonstrating his ongoing connection and support for his relatives.
According to a source, Prince Harry would like to spend more time in the UK, however, the logistical complications for his team due to the security issues, make it almost impossible.
Prince Harry departs the Rolls Building of the High Court after giving evidence during the Mirror Group phone hacking trial on June 6, 2023, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Back in February, the Duke of Sussex lost his legal challenge to reinstate automatic security for himself and his family. This decision came after UK authorities stripped away their protection in early 2020, shortly after Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their visit to Lagos, Nigeria, as part of celebrations of Invictus Games anniversary on May 12, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Harry’s battle for security is deeply personal. In a December statement, he revealed that his departure from the UK was driven by security concerns for his family—his wife Meghan and their children, Prince Archie, and Princess Lilibet.
Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and Prince Archie during a photocall in St George’s Hall at Windsor Castle on May 8, 2019 in Windsor, England | Source: Getty Images
Harry expressed that the inability to guarantee their safety on UK soil made it impossible for his children to feel “at home” in their native country, a sentiment he voiced passionately in court.
Prince Harry in Abuja, Nigeria on May 11, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
The quest for security has also strained Harry’s relationship with his father, King Charles. When Harry returned to the UK in May to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, his father’s absence was notable.
Prince Harry Patron of the Invictus Games Foundation at the Honourable Artillery Company on May 07, 2024, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Officially, King Charles’s busy schedule was cited as the reason for their missed meeting. However, insiders suggest that Harry’s desire to discuss his security issues, which he believes Charles could influence, might have contributed to the estrangement.
King Charles III and Prince Harry at the “International Year of The Reef” 2018 meeting in London, England on February 14, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Just when it seemed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s challenges couldn’t get any more complex, recent reports have revealed that their chief of staff has resigned after just three months on the job.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend a Wheelchair Tennis match during the Invictus Games 2017 at Nathan Philips Square on September 25, 2017, in Toronto, Canada. | Source: Getty Images
This sudden departure has sparked a flurry of reactions and debates online, shedding light on the couple’s ongoing struggles in their new life. The resignation has prompted a wave of curiosity and criticism from netizens.
One user questioned, ” Why do they need a Chief of Staff?? They’re private citizens, just like they wanted, right?” Another commenter echoed this sentiment, ” I’m surprised he lasted that long.”
The overall response has been a mix of disbelief and disapproval, with some noting the situation as ” super embarrassing” and others suggesting it indicates deeper issues.
Critics have been particularly vocal. One remarked, ” I can’t imagine that anyone with any sense would have taken the job on in the first place!” and another hinted, ” Doesn’t that tell you something.”
A fan comment dated August 13, 2024 | Source: Facebook/pagesix
There has also been disappointment from those questioning the need for such a role now that Harry and Meghan are no longer working royals. One commented, ” Why do they even have someone called ‘chief of staff’? They are not Royal anymore.”
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend a Creative Industries and Business Reception in Johannesburg, South Africa, on October 2, 2019. | Source: Getty Images
Since relocating to California in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan have made only one return trip to the UK with their children. They visited in 2022 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee. The couple also marked their daughter Lilibet’s first birthday at Frogmore Cottage, their former home in Windsor.
However, recent reports suggest that Frogmore Cottage, once a cherished family residence, now stands abandoned and empty. In 2023, the couple were officially asked to vacate Frogmore Cottage, which they had initially left behind when they moved to California in 2020.
This was just after Prince Harry’s memoir “Spare” caused waves with its revelations about his family. Their spokesperson confirmed the move in a statement. “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been requested to vacate their residence at Frogmore Cottage,” he said.
A general view of Frogmore Cottage at Frogmore Cottage on April 10, 2019, in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
The Grade II-listed property is nestled in Windsor Home Park, and part of the Crown Estate. It now remains untouched and unoccupied, according to updates from the Sovereign Grant briefing.
Palace insiders have revealed that there are no new occupants at the historic residence. On recent visits to the UK, Prince Harry has chosen the comfort of a hotel over returning to his former royal residence.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Frogmore Kitchen | Source: YouTube/@Netflix
A palace spokesperson confirmed the ongoing vacancy, remarking that speculation about future residents of Frogmore Cottage remains premature. “During the year, Frogmore Cottage has remained empty. I don’t think, at this point, I would speculate on who will be the future occupants of the cottage,” the person said.
The Sovereign Grant, funded by taxpayers, was initially used to refurbish the property, costing around $3 million. However, as part of their move toward financial independence, Harry reportedly covered the renovation expenses, repaying the fund.
Meghan decorating a section of living space area in Frogmore Cottage | Source: YouTube/@Netflix
Even as the residence remains empty, it had been briefly occupied by other royal family members. The residence welcomed Harry’s cousin, before being left vacant. Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank stayed there shortly. They used it as their home before the arrival of their son, August, in February 2021.
Prince Harry and Meghan inside the dining area of Frogmore Cottage | Source: YouTube/@Netflix
At the time, a source mentioned that Frogmore Cottage continued to be the Duke and Duchess of Sussexes’ residence in the UK. Still, they were thrilled to share their home with Eugenie and Jack as they started their own family.
Harry and Meghan moved into Frogmore Cottage from Nottingham Cottage ahead of their son Archie’s birth in 2019. The property holds fond memories for the couple. They once expressed their gratitude for having an official residence on the estate, calling Windsor a “very special place.”
