Meghan Markle and Prince Harry join William and Kate to mourn Queen after Wills extends olive branch by inviting brother
BROTHERS Harry and William appeared to put their differences aside today as they grieved the Queen together.
In a show of unity after years of speculated rifts, the princes arrived in the same car along with wives Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton to speak with mourners at Windsor Castle.
It is William, who with Kate was last night given the title Prince and Princess of Wales by King Charles, who offered the olive branch to his younger brother.
The Royal Family was virtually torn apart when Meghan and Harry announced they were quitting the Royal Family and moving to the US.
But despite the apparent rift, the brothers today united in their grief to pay tribute to their grandmother the Queen just days after her tragic death.
William’s official spokesperson confirmed he invited Harry and Meghan to look at the tributes with him today.
It is understood he believed it was an important show of unity at a difficult time for the family.
Fans cheered as the two couples reunited after months to look at tributes.
Kate and Meghan both wore black dresses as they left the gates of the Berkshire estate outside Windsor Castle.
It comes as…
- Charles was today officially proclaimed King in a historic ceremony
- The Queen’s funeral date was confirmed
- Prince William released a heart-warming tribute to his “grannie”
- Royals including Princess Eugenie were brought to tears as they looked at tributes left to the Queen in Scotland
- Princess Kate comforted one mourner as she joined her husband to speak with crowds at Windsor
- The Duchess of Sussex hugged one young woman who gave her condolences
- A Royal expert revealed how the reunion was a change
Harry clutched his wife’s hand as they walked together and he later placed a protective hand on her back.
She was seen returning the favour to her husband before she went to speak to the waiting royal fans.
Read more on the Queen's death
Meghan smiled as she was handed a bouquet, while William also took time to speak to the crowds for about 40 minutes.
The couples finally left in the same car, driven by William, back to the Windsor Estate.
The olive branch is a clear indication William may be willing to forget their apparent feud.
They were last seen together in public at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June.
But they are believed to have kept out of each other’s way and didn’t acknowledge each other during a service of remembrance at St Paul’s.
It is understood that relations between the once-close pair are still at “rock bottom”.
Mourner Tina Ward, 60, from Englefield Green, Surrey said that it was good to see the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex come out of Windsor Castle together to meet the crowd.
Ms Ward said: “It’s really nice to see the family united in grief. It’s a shame it’s in grief but it’s nice that they’ve come together.
“I think it’s nice to see them all united here in town in which the Queen resided.
“I’m sure she would have been absolutely delighted. As a nan myself, I’d be absolutely delighted if my grandchildren had made up and were reunited.”
Nicola Standen, 44, from Witham, Essex said that the Queen would be proud of her grandsons the Prince of Wales and Duke of Sussex for coming out and greeting crowds and Windsor Castle together.
Mrs Standen said: “That’s probably what she ultimately wanted.
“Nobody wants any upset in their family and you have to support each other at this time.
“I’m sure she’s looking down and is very proud of the brothers together.
“They’ve had such grief themselves so it’s good that they can support each other.”
Harry and Meghan’s exit from royal life is still said to be raw for William – especially after it was revealed his brother was planning a tell-all book.
It comes after William earlier said the Queen was by his side during his “saddest moments” as he paid tribute to his “grannie”.
In a statement, he said: “On Thursday, the world lost an extraordinary leader, whose commitment to the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth was absolute.
“So much will be said in the days ahead about the meaning of her historic reign.
“I, however, have lost a grandmother. And while I will grieve her loss, I also feel incredibly grateful. I have had the benefit of The Queen’s wisdom and reassurance into my fifth decade.
“She was by my side at my happiest moments. And she was by my side during the saddest days of my life. I knew this day would come, but it will be some time before the reality of life without Grannie will truly feel real.”
He also praised the Queen for the 20 years of “guidance and support” she has given his wife Kate Middleton.
And he revealed how children have created memories that will last “their whole lives” thanks to holiday spent with the Queen.
William added: “I thank her for the kindness she showed my family and me. And I thank her on behalf of my generation for providing an example of service and dignity in public life that was from a different age, but always relevant to us all.
“My grandmother famously said that grief was the price we pay for love. All of the sadness we will feel in the coming weeks will be testament to the love we felt for our extraordinary Queen.
“I will honour her memory by supporting my father, The King, in every way I can.”
Kate remained in Windsor with the children as husband Prince William joined his family in Balmoral on Thursday.
He made an urgent dash to say goodbye to the Queen after her health failed but sadly didn’t make it in time.
The Prince of Wales returned home to Windsor yesterday to join Kate and the children.
He today watched as his dad was formally declared King Charles III at an historic Accession ceremony.
It was the first time he has been seen in public since his grandmother’s death.
Prince William and Prince Harry had gifted King Charles the inkpot he used to sign the declaration.
It comes after the couple were last night awarded the titles Prince and Princess of Wales.
King Charles made the declaration in his first address to the nation.
He said: “Today, I am proud to create him Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru.
“With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the centre ground where vital help can be given.”
The name change means not only is William following in his father’s footsteps, but Kate is the first person to use the title Princess of Wales since Diana.
Following the announcement, a source said Kate “appreciates the history associated with this role” but wants to “create her own path“.
