Prince Harry Arrives In U.K. Ahead Of Princess Diana's Statue Unveiling — Who Else Will Be In Attendance?
Prince Harry is back in the U.K.
The Duke of Sussex returned over the pond to attend the unveiling of the late Princess Diana's statue. He flew to his homeland days before the July 1 unveiling so he could self-isolate at Frogmore Cottage — the former home of Harry and Meghan Markle prior to their royal step-back last year — before reuniting with his family for the monumental occasion.
Meanwhile, Meghan stayed back in the U.S. at the couple's California home with two-year-old son Archie and newborn daughter Lilibet Diana, whom the Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed earlier this month.
Harry's return marks the second time he's been back to London since his and Meghan's royal exit, dubbed Megxit. It also marks the second time he'll be seeing his family face-to-face since the couple dragged the royal family through the mud and made shocking claims about their lives behind palace walls.
The 36-year-old previously returned to the U.K. in April to attend Prince Philip's funeral. Following the reception, Harry had a brief conversation with Prince William and Prince Charles — but their quick talk apparently did little to fix the damage the red-headed prince has done to his relationships with his family members.
As for who else will be in attendance at the ceremony, a spokesperson for the palace said, per Us Weekly, “In addition to close family of Diana, Princess of Wales, members of the statue committee, the sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley, and garden designer, Pip Morrison, will also be present.” Though the brothers apparently wanted to invite around 100 of Diana's friends and others in their inner circle, the guest list has been reportedly reduced due to COVID-19.
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- Prince Harry's Return To U.K. For Princess Diana's Statue Unveiling Will Be A 'Fleeting Visit,' Says Source
- 'Tension Is Brewing' Ahead Of Prince William & Prince Harry's Upcoming Reunion, 'Everyone Is Bracing For A Showdown': Source
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And while the unveiling of the later mother-of-two's statue — which is being displayed at Kensington Palace — is centered around Harry and William's mom, all eyes will most likely be on the estranged brothers' reunion.
“They’ve agreed to put their issues [aside] in public, but behind closed doors, everyone is bracing for a showdown," an insider dished of Harry and the Duke of Cambridge's reunion. “[Harry and William’s] relationship has been strained for months. They’re due for a long talk to hash out their issues."
The brothers have been at odds since Harry decided to split from the royal family to start a new life in the U.S. However, things apparently went from bad to worse following the couple's bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in March.
During their first interview about their side of royal life, Harry and Meghan, 39, accused unnamed royal members of racism and said The Firm failed to help Meghan when she had mental health struggles. In addition, Harry claimed William and Charles are "trapped" in royal life.
Harry may be given the chance to reconcile with William upon their second encounter, but the same can't be said regarding his father. OK! reported Charles "made it quite clear he will not be around" for his first wife's statue unveiling, as he's "going to Scotland," said a source. The duo apparently made no plans to meet up, as Harry also won't be sticking around in the U.K. for long.
“It'll be a fleeting visit,” a source said of his current trip. "He’ll be in and out."