The royal family are hoping for no more distractions as they put on a united front to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day this week, after the Duke of Sussex told the BBC that his father would not speak to him.
It is understood that Buckingham Palace officials hope that “nothing will detract or distract from celebrating with full cheer and proud hearts that precious victory and those brave souls, on this most special and poignant of anniversaries”.
Hoping to put the comments from his younger son behind him, the King will be joined by the Queen and other members of the royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace on Monday to watch a flypast to commemorate the end of the Second World War.
Prince Harry told the BBC he hoped for a reconciliation with his father and other members of the royal family
BBC
Notable absences on the palace balcony, of course, will be Harry, who left his royal role five years ago, and the Duke of York, who was forced to step down in 2019 over his friendship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The King is now said to be determined not to allow the monarchy to be overshadowed by Harry and Andrew, who have been dubbed the “Dukes of Hazzard” by courtiers.
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A Palace aide said: “The King, Queen and other members of the royal family are much looking forward to all the week’s VE Day events, when they will unite with the rest of the nation — and those across the Commonwealth and wider world — in celebrating, commemorating and giving thanks to the wartime generation whose selfless devotion, duty and service should stand as an enduring example to us all.”
On Friday Harry lost his long-running court case against the Home Office to force the government to reinstate his automatic police protection in Britain. He said it felt like “a good old-fashioned establishment stitch-up”.
A flypast by the Red Arrows formed part of the VE Day 75 celebrations five years ago
CONNOR TIERNEY/EPA
Harry suggested the royal household had blocked his right to security, telling the BBC: “There is a lot of control and ability in my father’s hands. Ultimately, this whole thing could be resolved through him. Not necessarily by intervening, but by stepping aside, allowing the experts to do what is necessary.”
After the interview, the Palace is looking forwards. During a busy week, the King, whose cancer treatment is continuing, will be joined by the Queen and other members of the royal family as well as Sir Keir Starmer.
On Monday the royals will watch a military procession and flypast and will host a tea party for Second World War veterans at Buckingham Palace.
On Tuesday the King and Queen will unveil the coronation state portraits, painted by Peter Kuhfeld and Paul Benney, who were each personally chosen by Charles and Camilla. The portraits will form part of the royal collection.
Also on that day, the Queen will view a new display of ceramic poppies at the Tower of London.
On Thursday, VE Day itself, Westminster Abbey will host a service of thanksgiving which will be attended by members of the royal family. Later that day a concert will be held at Horse Guards Parade.
As well as looking beyond the latest accusations from Harry in California, the King will spend the week looking backwards. He is expected to reference the words of his grandfather, George VI, who addressed the country on May 8, 1945, thanking “almighty God for a great deliverance”.
In a radio broadcast, he remembered the sacrifice of those who had “laid down their lives”, saying: “Together we shall all face the future with stern resolve and prove that our reserves of willpower and vitality are inexhaustible.”
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The King’s mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, had a unique perspective of the VE Day celebrations in London. The 19-year-old Elizabeth and her sister, Princess Margaret, left the palace with a small group to join the crowds celebrating on the Mall.
She said: “I remember we were terrified of being recognised so I pulled my uniform cap well down over my eyes. A grenadier officer amongst our party of about 16 people said he refused to be seen in the company of another officer improperly dressed. So I had to put my cap on normally.
“We cheered the King and Queen on the balcony and then walked miles through the streets. I remember lines of unknown people linking arms and walking down Whitehall, all of us just swept along on a tide of happiness and relief.”
She added: “After crossing Green Park, we stood outside and shouted, ‘We want the King!’ And we were successful in seeing my parents on the balcony, having cheated slightly because we sent a message into the house to say we were waiting outside. I think it was one of the most memorable nights of my life.”