Amidst the ongoing tensions with the Sussexes, the Archbishop of Canterbury emphasized the need to perceive the Royals simply as human beings.
He urged people to refrain from passing judgment. Justin Welby made this plea during an interview with ITV's Good Morning Britain (GMB), stressing, "We must not judge them. They are human beings. They must not be judged. They need to be prayed for and supported." Against a backdrop of tension, Prince Harry's return to Britain this week coincided with the celebration of the 10th anniversary of his Invictus Games charity.
Notably absent were his immediate family members, who chose to attend the first Buckingham Palace Garden Party of the season nearby. Harry's spokesperson confirmed that the king had prior engagements and wouldn't be able to meet with his son during his visit to the UK. Subsequently, Harry received support from members of Princess Diana's family, including his Uncle Earl Spencer and Aunt Lady Jane.
The Archbishop declined to confirm during the GMB interview whether any members of the royal family had spoken to him about reconciliation. He stated, "I won't comment at all about conversations with the royal family. I just say to everyone, if you're someone who prays, then pray for them because you can't go wrong. And if you're somebody who doesn't pray, then pray for them because it can't do any harm, and it might do something good." Harry's wife chose not to join him on his return to London, marking nearly two years since his last visit to the UK.
Meanwhile, King Charles was seen alongside other senior members of the royal family, including the Duke and Duchess of Edra and Queen Camilla, attending the first Garden Party of the Season at the palace. Princess Anne, along with the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, also graced the occasion, welcoming thousands of invited guests to the Palace grounds for tea in the sunshine. Prince William couldn't make it as he was occupied with an investiture in Windsor, while the Princess of Wales remains on leave as she recuperates from cancer treatment.
Royal author Tom Quinn has claimed that Harry may have sent a hidden message to his arch-nemesis brother, Prince William, and estranged father, King Charles, with his choice of attire on Wednesday night. Harry was seen wearing his KCB neck order and star at the Invictus Games' 10th anniversary at St Paul's Cathedral. Some speculate that this was a firm message to his father and brother, indicating his valuable contributions to the monarchy. The KCB neck order and star are awards given for service to the monarchy, falling under the Royal Victorian Order, a prestigious knighthood.
Tom Quinn speculates that this act was a symbolic gesture from Harry to his familial relations, indicating his contributions valued by his grandmother, even if his father and brother don't recognize them. Wearing the KCB neck and star was also Harry's way of dispelling the notion of him being portrayed as a "bad boy" by his father and brother. Moreover, it may have carried an even more defiant message amid the rift, signifying his continued support for the monarchy despite feeling mistreated. In essence, wearing the medal was Harry's way of saying, "You've taken everything else from me, but you can't take this."
