King Charles’ two sons, once so close after their mother Diana died in a car crash in Paris in 1997, have been at loggerheads in recent years after Harry and Meghan gave up their royal titles to move to the United States. The couple were in Britain for a short visit when the Queen, Britain’s longest-serving monarch, died on Thursday. 4:11 King Charles III officially declared Head of State of Canada at Rideau Ceremony King Charles III officially declared Head of State of Canada at Rideau Ceremony Like other senior members of the royal family, Harry rushed to be at the Queen’s side as she deteriorated at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, and a spokesman for the heir to the throne said an invitation to the Windsor Walk had been extended by William. Story continues below ad A royal source described it as an important show of unity at an incredibly difficult time for the family. They got out of the same car, all wearing black. The two couples didn’t interact much during the 40-minute walk near one of the Queen’s favorite English homes, pausing to read messages left among flowers, and shake hands and chat with the thousands of people at Long Walk. Trending Stories
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“I think that draws a line under what’s happened historically and it’s a really strong sense of unity I think for the royal family. It was really great to see,” said Raj Kaur, 41, who was in the crowd. At one point Meghan was hugged by a woman in the crowd, while others reached out to shake hands and speak with the four royals in the early evening. William spent some time crouching down to chat with the children, while Kate and Harry received flowers and messages of encouragement from the crowd. Royal watchers have been looking for signs of a lull amid the pomp and ceremony of a period of national mourning and Elizabeth’s state funeral. On Friday Charles used his first address to the nation as king to express his “love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives abroad”. Story continues below ad READ MORE: Queen Elizabeth death: What’s next for Canada’s 10 days of mourning He also bestowed upon William and his bride Kate the titles of Prince and Princess of Wales, which he and his late wife Diana held. William was heard telling a well-wisher that the days following the Queen’s death were “so surreal”. “We all thought she was invincible,” he said. Asked by someone else in the crowd how his children, George, 9, Charlotte, 7, and Louis, 4, who all started at a new school on the day the Queen died, were doing, he replied: “The children are fine . thanks. They are good. It’s not ideal for starting new schools with everything going on.” Under royal rules, the monarch’s grandchildren are automatically eligible to become princes or princesses of the realm, so now that Harry’s father Charles is king, his children Archie, 3, and Lilybet, 1, can to receive these titles. Lilibet is named after the queen’s childhood nickname. It is not clear if they will get the titles. “Right now we’re focused on the next 10 days. As and when we receive information, we will update the (royal) website,” a spokesman for Charles told reporters. Story continues below ad (Reporting by Kate Holton and Michael Holden in London and Peter Nicholls and Hanna Rantala in Windsor; Editing by Elizabeth Piper and Mark Potter)
