The year 2021 was an incredibly difficult one for many, but especially for the British Royal Family.
Along with the ongoing global turmoil from the COVID-19 pandemic, they had to contend with personal and public struggles that tested their unity.
The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, was facing declining health, and his condition took a worrying turn that led to a hospital stay.
Around the same time, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s highly anticipated Oprah interview was set to be broadcast.
This added more pressure on an already strained family dynamic.
Prince Philip’s Hospitalization Amid Family Drama
Prince Philip was first admitted to King Edward VII’s Hospital in London as a precaution, with Buckingham Palace reassuring the public that it was simply for observation.
However, two weeks later, the situation became more serious, and he was transferred to St. Bartholomew’s Hospital in Smithfield for heart surgery.
At this time, the countdown was on for Harry and Meghan’s Oprah interview, which was scheduled to air despite widespread calls for a delay.
The interview went ahead, leading to a storm of public fallout, especially with its controversial allegations of racism and mistreatment within the Royal Family.
Prince Philip’s Concerns About Harry and Meghan’s Interview
Royal historian Robert Lacey, in his book Battle of Brothers, reveals that while Prince Philip wasn’t particularly troubled by the content of Harry and Meghan’s interview, he was deeply concerned about how they handled the situation.
He felt the couple was too focused on their personal struggles and lacked the discretion and modesty that he valued in his family.
Philip, who had always stressed the importance of discretion in royal matters, particularly disapproved of the public airing of personal issues.
Lacey notes that Philip believed the interview was “madness” and worried it would bring no good to the family.
Prince Philip’s Passing and the Aftermath
Three weeks after being discharged from the hospital, Prince Philip passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle.
His death marked the beginning of a difficult period for the Royal Family.
In the wake of Harry and Meghan’s explosive interview, Prince Philip was unable to participate in the family’s response to the allegations.
The Queen, in a heartfelt statement, expressed the family’s sorrow at how challenging the last few years had been for Harry and Meghan.
While acknowledging the concerns raised, particularly about race, she promised that the issues would be addressed privately.
She reassured that Harry, Meghan, and Archie would always be beloved members of the family.
The Royal Family’s Response to the Interview
The public reactions to the interview were telling. Prince Charles, when asked about the allegations, reportedly chuckled, while his brother, Prince William, firmly denied the racism claims.
William made it clear to reporters, saying, “We are very much not a racist family,” standing in stark contrast to the rest of the family’s more measured responses.
At that time, it became apparent who would step into the role of the family’s next patriarch.
William’s leadership was more evident than ever as the family prepared for Prince Philip’s funeral.
Funeral Arrangements and Harry’s Isolated Position
With the funeral taking place just days after Philip’s passing, Queen Elizabeth took charge of every detail, ensuring that the proceedings, despite the restrictions on gatherings due to COVID-19, were carried out in accordance with Prince Philip’s wishes.
This included deciding who would walk behind the coffin—something she and William discussed at length.
Harry, who had traveled alone to attend the funeral as Meghan was heavily pregnant, walked behind the coffin with Princess Anne’s children, keeping a noticeable distance from his brother William.
Body language expert Judi James observed that the two brothers barely acknowledged one another, and Harry appeared to be avoiding William, further highlighting the growing divide between them.