Prince Harry and William's three key moments from Queen Elizabeth's funeral
Today marks the second anniversary of the funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II. The monarch passed away at her Scottish residence, Balmoral Castle, on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96, concluding an extraordinary 70-year reign.
She was laid to rest on September 19 that year in The King George VI Memorial Chapel alongside her husband, Prince Philip, who died in 2021.
Present at Queen Elizabeth's funeral were Prince William and Princess Kate with their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, as well as Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle.
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However, this sombre event occurred just one year after The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's explosive interview with US chat show host Oprah Winfrey, where they made allegations of bullying and racism within the Royal Family.
This was yet another chapter in the ongoing rift between the Royal siblings but three subtle moments from the day may have offered insights into their dynamic.
Prince William's directive
Despite their estrangement, Harry and William were seen briefly conversing at the funeral.
The Prince of Wales signalled to Kate to make room for the Duke and Duchess in the chapel. According to lip reader Jacqui Press, who spoke to the Daily Mail, Harry queried his brother whether they should "go through first".
A lip reader told the Daily Star that Prince William instructed Duchess Kate to "let them go first", with Kate then stepping away to let others pass and tapping Princess Charlotte, telling her, "You go now."
Prince Harry's poignant joke
In what could suggest warmer ties between the siblings, Harry shared with ITV a dark quip exchanged with brother William.
Remembering their march behind Queen Elizabeth II's coffin and recalling the similarities with their mother Princess Diana's funeral in 1997, the Duke remarked: "Just recently, my brother and I were walking the same route [at Elizabeth's funeral]. And we sort of joked to each other and said, 'At least we know the way'."
Reporting on Harry's reflective words, Us Weekly noted the contrast he drew between the ceremonies for his grandmother and his mother. Regarding parting with his grandmother, Harry found the events "very similar" yet different in emotional tone.
He commented that while the farewell to Elizabeth celebrated her life's work, Diana's departure felt premature as she was "taken away far too young".
Harry's 'regretful looks'
During the committal, an expert observed Harry's looks towards William, suggesting they carried a tone of regret. Harry and William escorted the casket to Westminster Abbey, continuing alongside it until it reached Wellington Arch after the service.
However, it was during the service that Prince Harry looked towards his brother, observed body language specialist Judi James. She remarked to The Sun on "at least two occasions" where his gaze was directed at William.
Judi said the Duke's demeanour "suggested sadness and possible regret", highlighting a notable shift during the second procession behind the coffin with Harry showing a "more intense signal of grief".
According to Judi, as he observed his brother, nephew, and sister-in-law entering ahead of him without casting a glance, there was a visible change in Harry, his face appearing to "pucker" and his lips seen "sucked in again".