When the late Princess Diana’s brother-in-law, Lord Robert Fellowes, passed away in July 2024 at 82, his legacy wasn’t just royal connections—it was a carefully planned will worth $2 million. The late private secretary to Queen Elizabeth and husband to Princess Diana’s sister, Lady Jane Spencer, left most of his fortune to her, including income from his estate. But he also spread the love with charitable donations to institutions like Eton College and St. Mary’s Church. Prince Harry and Prince William? The royal brothers out of the question.
🆕The Duke of Sussex attended the funeral service for his late uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes held in Norfolk yesterday.
Lord Fellowes was married to Princess Diana’s sister, Lady Jane Fellowes, who was pictured with her nephew in June.#PrinceHarry pic.twitter.com/3qHqrCyYca
— ChrisBaronSmith (@ChrisBaronSmit1) August 29, 2024
Fellowes wasn’t just a royal in-law; he was a trusted aide to the Queen from 1977 to 1999, rising through the ranks from assistant to private secretary. His career put him in the inner royal circle, and his Eton background linked him to nephews Prince William and Prince Harry, who also attended the elite school. In fact, both princes showed up at his memorial in August, though they reportedly avoided each other.
#PrinceHarry Stayed at Althorp, Princess Diana's Childhood Home, During Recent U.K. Visit.
The Duke of Sussex stayed with his uncle Charles Spencer at Althorp House following his appearance at the memorial service for his late uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes, on August 29.❤️ pic.twitter.com/dWGnbQAiqq
— ChrisBaronSmith (@ChrisBaronSmit1) September 2, 2024
Rumors of the brothers’ ongoing rift were hard to ignore. They seemingly kept their distance at the Norfolk service, avoiding interaction entirely. While they came to honor their uncle, the frostiness between them added a layer of tension to an already emotional day.Harry later opened up about his deep sadness over being unable to bring his children to the U.K., citing security concerns after losing state-funded protection. “I miss the U.K.,” he told the BBC. “It’s sad I can’t show my children my homeland.” The will may have closed one chapter, but for the royal family, many emotional pages are still turning.
