Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s very different Father’s Day as Kate Middleton makes joyful return
There was silence from the Sussexes as the royal family shared loving public Father’s Day tributes, 24 hours after putting on a show of unity at this year’s Trooping the Colour
The Royal Family put on a powerful display of unity at the weekend. They stepped out in force to celebrate the King’s official birthday – Trooping the Colour – on Saturday before sharing touching Father’s Day tributes just 24 hours later.
The weekend was all the more memorable given that it also marked Kate’s return to public life following her cancer diagnosis in March, with her appearance prompting a public outpouring of love and affection for family.
And to wrap up the celebrations, fans were also treated to a striking new photograph taken by the Princess of Wales in honour of Father’s Day. The image was one of a number shared on royal official social media accounts to mark the occasion.
Princess Kate was behind this year’s sweet Father’s Day photo
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In contrast, it was a very quiet weekend for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The couple, who stepped down from the royal family in 2020, were reportedly not invited to attend the Trooping ceremony and instead remained at home in California.
Notably, there was no public acknowledgement of Father’s Day, either. Harry and Meghan are parents to son Archie and daughter Lilibet – but chose not to share a message nor a family photograph with the public.
The weekend served to highlight the huge gulf that now exists between Harry and his family. The Duke and his wife have repeatedly aired their grievances with the royal family through interviews, their Netflix series, and the Duke’s memoir, Spare – as such, he is all but estranged from the Firm.
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Prince William paid tribute to his ‘pa’ with a throwback photo (
Image:
PA)
The Princess of Wales with her daughter Princess Charlotte, on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, London, following the Trooping the Colour ceremony in central London
Harry might not have shared a Father’s Day message for his dad – but Prince William certainly did. The 41 year old posted a photograph on social media that showed himself as a child, playing football in the garden with Charles. “Happy Father’s Day, Pa. W,” Prince William wrote alongside the sweet image.
The Mirror’s royal editor Russell Myers appeared on Lorraine on Monday, where he chatted about the Father’s Day photos – and William’s powerful message.
Russell noted how poignant it was that Prince William had chosen a photograph of him and his father alone, and not one including Prince Harry, hinting that the feud between the siblings shows no sign of healing, with the rift seemingly worse than ever.
William received his own Father’s Day tribute from his three children, George, Charlotte, and Louis alongside a new snapshot taken by Princess Kate. In the photograph, William appears with his back to the camera as he embraces his sons and daughter as they stand on a sand dune overlooking a beach. “We love you, Papa. Happy Father’s Day G, C & L,” the caption of the post read.
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