How Kate got William and Harry talking again: Duchess of Cambridge stepped away so the brothers could chat at Prince Philip's funeral, writes CAROLINE GRAHAM

  • The estranged brothers were reunited for first time in more than a year at grandfather Philip's funeral service
  • The princes did not stand shoulder to shoulder behind coffin and were instead either side of Peter Phillips 
  • However, William and Harry left th servikkce together and appeared to have long conversation as they walked 
  • The brothers appeared in public together today for first time since Westminster Abbey service in March 2020It was perhaps the moment that would have made Prince Philip the most happy. 

    After a funeral service meticulously curated by the Duke himself, a touching interlude between two divided brothers became one of the most indelible images of the day.

    Princes William and Harry yesterday appeared to signal at least a temporary thaw in the frosty relations between them as they chatted after the service. It was more than a year since they were last seen in public together.

    Only weeks have passed since the devastating Oprah Winfrey interview, which was said to have left William 'incandescent' with rage. Despite this, he and Harry looked relaxed in each other's company as they walked the short distance from St George's Chapel back to Windsor Castle.

    It was the Duchess of Cambridge, ever the peacemaker, who smoothed the way for one of the most talked-about reconciliations in years.

    Prince Harry speaks to Prince William as they leave the service at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle yesterday afternoon

    Prince Harry speaks to Prince William as they leave the service at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle yesterday afternoon

    The Duke of Sussex is seen speaking to the Duke of Cambridge following the service at St George's Chapel, in their first public appearance together since Megxit

    The Duke of Sussex is seen speaking to the Duke of Cambridge following the service at St George's Chapel, in their first public appearance together since Megxit

    Kate, William and Harry speak together as they leave St George's Chapel yesterday afternoon following the funeral service

    Kate, William and Harry speak together as they leave St George's Chapel yesterday afternoon following the funeral service

    As the Royals filed out of the chapel, Prince William spoke to the Right Reverend David Conner, the Dean of Windsor, while Harry chatted with Kate behind them.

    Eschewing a waiting fleet of Rolls-Royces, the family then began to walk up the hill.

    William was initially ahead of his wife and brother but turned back towards them to speak to Kate while Harry exchanged pleasantries with the Dean.

    Harry then caught up with his brother and sister-in-law and they walked together for a while as William removed his face mask. Then, Kate delicately stepped away to speak to the Countess of Wessex and her daughter Lady Louise – leaving the brothers alone.The apparent rapprochement was a welcome moment after a day of palpable tension. Earlier, the siblings had maintained stony expressions as they walked behind their grandfather's cortege, separated by their cousin Peter Phillips.

    The Duke of Cambridge strode ahead of his brother as they entered the 15th Century chapel, and once inside the atmosphere remained decidedly frosty.

    William sat with Kate directly opposite Harry but did not appear to make eye contact, instead preferring to focus his gaze towards his grandfather's coffin.

    Sources told The Mail on Sunday that Harry has experienced 'a great deal of frostiness' from many of his relatives since arriving in Britain a week ago and self- isolating at Frogmore Cottage, the house given to him and Meghan as a wedding present by the Queen. 'Ironically the only one who has expressed any sympathy towards him is Prince Andrew,' said one source.

    'He knows from Sarah Ferguson – and now first-hand – how it feels to be the outsider, which Harry very much is.

    A 'moment of connection' appeared to take place between Prince William and Prince Harry (pictured together centre) at the end of the service, as they left the chapel

    A 'moment of connection' appeared to take place between Prince William and Prince Harry (pictured together centre) at the end of the service, as they left the chapel

    Prince Harry and Prince William walk together out of St George's Chapel as Kate Middleton also walks alongside them

    Prince Harry and Prince William walk together out of St George's Chapel as Kate Middleton also walks alongside them

    It was suggested the grief-stricken Queen looked relatively relaxed compared to her grandson Prince Harry (pictured right), 36, who appeared anxious

    It was suggested the grief-stricken Queen looked relatively relaxed compared to her grandson Prince Harry (pictured right), 36, who appeared anxiousPrince Harry appears to talk with Kate Middleton as they leave the service at St George's Chapel this afternoon

    Prince Harry appears to talk with Kate Middleton as they leave the service at St George's Chapel this afternoon

    'As far as the others are concerned, there is a deep sense of protection towards the Queen and resentment towards Harry. There is little sympathy for him after what he and Meghan said on Oprah.'

    The Duke and Duchess of Sussex accused the Royals of institutional racism during the bombshell 90-minute interview last month and claimed one member of the family – not the Queen or Prince Philip – questioned what colour their son Archie's skin would be.

    Princess Anne, Prince Edward and his wife Sophie failed to acknowledge Harry before or during yesterday's service.

    'They are still very upset,' the source added. 'They are putting on a united front for the Queen. They all think he has behaved appallingly.'

    However, it was reported last week that William had spoken briefly with his brother on the phone, although the source said communication had been 'more texts than calls'.

    Harry has spoken to his cousin Princess Eugenie who remains a steadfast friend. 'He is thought to have seen Eugenie, most likely outside since she's being strict with her new baby,' said the insider. According to one report, William requested that Peter Phillips stand between him and Harry during the funeral cortege.

    Asked about the claim, a friend of Harry said: 'He's just doing what he's told and getting on with it.' 

    The last time the brothers were seen together in public was on March 9 last year when they attended a Commonwealth service at Westminster Abbey – with the tension between the Cambridges and Sussexes clear to see.

    Aides were yesterday reported to have 'been walking on eggshells' all week as the funeral plans were tweaked, but there was relief that the brothers have spoken and done so publicly. 

    Earlier: Prince William (centre) and Prince Harry (right) walked either side of their cousin Peter Phillips (left) at Windsor today

    Earlier: Prince William (centre) and Prince Harry (right) walked either side of their cousin Peter Phillips (left) at Windsor today

    Prince Harry and Prince William walk next to each other as they leave the funeral service at St George's Chapel this afternoon

    Prince Harry and Prince William walk next to each other as they leave the funeral service at St George's Chapel this afternoon

    Massed military bands stood still as the Duke of Edinburgh's coffin past by in a Land Rover that he had built himself

    Massed military bands stood still as the Duke of Edinburgh's coffin past by in a Land Rover that he had built himself 

    The Foot Guards Band are seen marching ahead of the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle

    The Foot Guards Band are seen marching ahead of the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle

    The Duke of Edinburgh's coffin, covered with his Personal Standard, is carried on the purpose built Land Rover Defender followed by the Princess Royal, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of York, the Earl of Wessex, the Duke of Cambridge, Peter Phillips, the Duke of Sussex, the Earl of Snowdon and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence

    The Duke of Edinburgh's coffin, covered with his Personal Standard, is carried on the purpose built Land Rover Defender followed by the Princess Royal, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of York, the Earl of Wessex, the Duke of Cambridge, Peter Phillips, the Duke of Sussex, the Earl of Snowdon and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence

    Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Snowdon David Armstrong-Jones, Peter Phillips, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence during the funeral of Prince Philip

    Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Snowdon David Armstrong-Jones, Peter Phillips, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence during the funeral of Prince Philip

    Members of the Royal family march behind the coffin during the ceremonial funeral procession of Prince Philip

    Members of the Royal family march behind the coffin during the ceremonial funeral procession of Prince Philip

    Members of the Royal Family walk behind the Land Rover hearse carrying Prince Philip's coffin

    Members of the Royal Family walk behind the Land Rover hearse carrying Prince Philip's coffin

    Pallbearers of the Royal Marines carry the coffin at the West Steps of St George's Chapel

    Pallbearers of the Royal Marines carry the coffin at the West Steps of St George's Chapel

    The Duke of Edinburgh's coffin on the back of the Land Rover with royal family members walking behind

    The Duke of Edinburgh's coffin on the back of the Land Rover with royal family members walking behind

    Philip's coffin was carried on a custom-built Land Rover Defender hearse designed by the duke and modified over 16 years

    Philip's coffin was carried on a custom-built Land Rover Defender hearse designed by the duke and modified over 16 years

    Plans for a wake at Windsor Castle are understood to have been dropped, although a source said that Prince Charles, who was clearly emotional before and during the service, intended to spend some time with his younger son, perhaps taking him for a walk.

    'There has been talk that Charles will walk around Windsor with Harry to look at some of the tributes and spend some time together,' the source said.

    However, Harry is understood to be anxious to return to America to be with Meghan, who is thought to be seven months pregnant with their second child.

    He could fly back to Los Angeles as early as today or tomorrow.

    The Queen wiped away tears and was forced to mourn alone away from her family in St George's Chapel during Prince Philip's Covid-hit Windsor Castle funeral yesterday as she said an emotional final goodbye to her 'strength and stay' after their extraordinary 73-year life together.

    Her Majesty looked grief-stricken and bowed her head in reverence as she accompanied her beloved husband's coffin on its final journey while their eldest son Prince Charles cried as he walked behind the casket into church followed by other devastated royals. 

    The Duke of Edinburgh's coffin was covered in his personal standard and carried his sword, naval cap and a wreath of flowers with a handwritten note from his wife as pallbearers placed him on to his extraordinary self-designed green Land Rover Defender hearse in the castle's quadrangle packed with hundreds of armed personnel. Alone in grief, the Queen sat on the opposite side of the church as she says goodbye to her husband at his funeral in extraordinary and poignant circumstances due to the pandemic

    Alone in grief, the Queen sat on the opposite side of the church as she says goodbye to her husband at his funeral in extraordinary and poignant circumstances due to the pandemic

    A picture of the then Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip in Malta, where the Duke of Edinburgh was stationed with the Royal Navy. There is no suggestion the Queen kept this photo with her during the funeral

    A picture of the then Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip in Malta, where the Duke of Edinburgh was stationed with the Royal Navy. There is no suggestion the Queen kept this photo with her during the funeral

    The emotional Queen wipes away a tear in the back of the royal Bentley as she saw the procession

    The emotional Queen wipes away a tear in the back of the royal Bentley as she saw the procession

    A tear rolled down Prince Charles' cheek as he walked behind his father Prince Philip's coffin at Windsor Castle

    A tear rolled down Prince Charles' cheek as he walked behind his father Prince Philip's coffin at Windsor Castle

    Prince Charles blinks away tears as he follows the coffin into the church with his brothers behind him

    Prince Charles blinks away tears as he follows the coffin into the church with his brothers behind him

    Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, James, Viscount Severn and Sophie, Countess of Wessex listen to the service

    Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, James, Viscount Severn and Sophie, Countess of Wessex listen to the service

    Prince Harry was sat directly across from his older brother and his wife Kate having flown in without his wife Meghan

    Prince Harry was sat directly across from his older brother and his wife Kate having flown in without his wife Meghan

    The Queen's  Bentley followed the coffin from the castle to the church, behind the Land Rover and her family marching together

    The Queen's  Bentley followed the coffin from the castle to the church, behind the Land Rover and her family marching together

    The Duke of Edinburgh's coffin, covered with His Royal Highness's Personal Standard is carried to the purpose built Land Rover

    The Duke of Edinburgh's coffin, covered with His Royal Highness's Personal Standard is carried to the purpose built Land Rover

    Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Snowdon David Armstrong-Jones, Peter Phillips, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence prepare to set off from the castle behind the coffin

    Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Snowdon David Armstrong-Jones, Peter Phillips, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence prepare to set off from the castle behind the coffin

    The purpose built Land Rover Defender hearse waits for Philip's coffin to be carried out from the castle

    The purpose built Land Rover Defender hearse waits for Philip's coffin to be carried out from the castle

    The Queen kept her husband poignantly close during the service by carrying special mementoes from their life together inside her handbag.

    According to a Royal insider, the Queen was planning to include one of Philip's trademark white handkerchiefs, made by his Savile Row tailors Kent & Haste. The crisply folded squares, inserted into the breast pocket of a sharply cut suit, were an enduring feature of the Duke's classic sartorial style.

    In honour of their long marriage, she is also said to have carried a small photograph of the two of them together, thought to have been taken in Malta. 

    The island was a deeply special place for both the Queen and Philip. As newlyweds they lived in Villa Guardamangia, on the outskirts of the capital Valletta, between 1949 and 1951, while the Prince was stationed there as a naval officer with HMS Magpie.

    The Queen later described it as one of the best periods of her life as it was the only time she was able to live 'normally'. The couple returned often, including to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary in 2007.

    During her husband's Covid-secure Windsor Castle funeral, the grief-stricken monarch left a personal, handwritten message to Philip placed alongside a wreath of white lilies, small white roses and white freesia chosen by her.

    Photos from yesterday afternoon show only a glimpse of the note, which appears to be written on official card from Buckingham Palace. However, the Palace has not yet confirmed the content of the note. 

    After the eight minute procession and the 50 minute service, Prince Philip's coffin was lowered into the Royal Vault yesterday afternoon. 

    A lament was played by a lone piper of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and the Last Post was then sounded by buglers of Philip's beloved Royal Marines who then played Action Stations at the specific request of The Duke of Edinburgh.  

    The masked soldiers who carried the lead-lined coffin carrying Philip gently lift it into place in front of the Queen

    The masked soldiers who carried the lead-lined coffin carrying Philip gently lift it into place in front of the Queen

    The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby praised the extraordinary life of the Duke of Edinburgh

    The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby praised the extraordinary life of the Duke of Edinburgh

    (top row, left to right) Zara and Mike Tindall, Jack Brooksbank, Princess Eugenie, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Princess Eugenie, (front row, left to right) the Duchess of Cambridge, the Duke of Cambridge, the Earl of Wessex, James Viscount Severn, the Countess of Wessex, Lady Louise Windsor, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Prince of Wales during the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh

    (top row, left to right) Zara and Mike Tindall, Jack Brooksbank, Princess Eugenie, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Princess Eugenie, (front row, left to right) the Duchess of Cambridge, the Duke of Cambridge, the Earl of Wessex, James Viscount Severn, the Countess of Wessex, Lady Louise Windsor, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Prince of Wales during the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh

    The Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke of Cambridge look towards Philip's coffin before it was lowered into the Royal Vault

    The Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke of Cambridge look towards Philip's coffin before it was lowered into the Royal Vault

    The Queen stands alone as she watches Prince Philip's coffin being carried by soldiers on its final journey into St George's Chapel, Windsor today for the funeral of her beloved husband

    The Queen stands alone as she watches Prince Philip's coffin being carried by soldiers on its final journey into St George's Chapel, Windsor today for the funeral of her beloved husband

    Around 700 members of the Armed Forces were involved in the organisation of the funeral - the ceremony planned by Prince Philip before his death

    Around 700 members of the Armed Forces were involved in the organisation of the funeral - the ceremony planned by Prince Philip before his death

    Members of the royal family line up behind Prince Charles and Princess Anne as they follow Prince Philip's coffin

    Members of the royal family line up behind Prince Charles and Princess Anne as they follow Prince Philip's coffin

    All of the royals wore black suits with medals after Prince Andrew and Prince Harry's attempts to wear Navy uniforms were denied

    All of the royals wore black suits with medals after Prince Andrew and Prince Harry's attempts to wear Navy uniforms were denied

    The Royal Family stand at the bottom of the steps of St George's Chapel as the coffin is carried up into the church

    The Royal Family stand at the bottom of the steps of St George's Chapel as the coffin is carried up into the church

    Members of the Household Cavalry lined the route of the ceremonial procession and lowered their heads as the coffin passed them

    Members of the Household Cavalry lined the route of the ceremonial procession and lowered their heads as the coffin passed them

    Members of the military stand for a minutes' silence before the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh

    Members of the military stand for a minutes' silence before the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh

    Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, looks emotional as she leaves the funeral at Windsor yesterday

    Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, looks emotional as she leaves the funeral at Windsor yesterday

    The coffin is carried up the world famous steps of St George's Chapel on its final journey

    The coffin is carried up the world famous steps of St George's Chapel on its final journePrince Philip had links to 42 regiments before he died on April 9 aged 99

    Prince Philip had links to 42 regiments before he died on April 9 aged 99

    Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, pronounced the Blessing before the 30 royal mourners silently filed out of the church into cars to take them the short journey back to castle. Harry and William decided to walk back with Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, and were seen smiling speaking animatedly as they were reunited for the first time in a year where their relationship became fractured. 

    The emotional Queen had arrived at the funeral as the national anthem played and the royal Bentley stopped next to her beloved husband's coffin, where she poignantly paused for a moment of reflection as cannons fired and bells tolled in remembrance of the duke, wiping tears from her eyes.

    Her Majesty was then driven to St George's Chapel with her lady in waiting Susan Hussey, before being sat alone at the front of the church where she stood and bowed her head during the national minute's silence. She looked at the coffin throughout the poignant service, where the majority of her children and grandchildren were on the verge of tears. 

    Following behind the coffin was the royal procession, led by Philip's children Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward. The grandchildren, including Prince William and Prince Harry, followed but the feuding brothers were separated by their cousin Peter Phillips, viewed as a 'peacemaker' between the two. 

    The Duke of Cambridge entered the chapel one place ahead of his younger brother, as the mourners filed into the historic gothic chapel without saying anything to each other. But they later spoke as they walked back to the castle, with Kate taking a step back to let them spend time alone.

    The Queen had decided that no royals should wear military uniform after Prince Andrew demanded to dress as an Admiral and Prince Harry was stripped of his titles. They were allowed to wear their medals, however. Andrew was seen driving away in a casual suit and aviator sunglasses around an hour after the funeral ended.

    The Queen wore Queen Mary's Richmond Brooch, while Camilla wore the Rifles Brooch. The Duchess of Cornwall wore the brooch in July 2020 when Philip's role as Colonel-in-Chief of the infantry regiment The Rifles was formally handed over to her.

    Kate wore a necklace and earrings borrowed from the Queen.

    After the funeral ended at 3.49pm, the Queen led the Royal Family from the chapel, followed by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.

    She had a brief conversation with the Dean of Windsor outside the chapel before being driven away.

    Other members of the royal family walked away from the chapel in small groups, chatting as they walked through the sunlit grounds, including William and Harry.

    Many of the royals only stayed at the castle for a short period before heading home.

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