Several royal experts claimed to Fox News Digital that the Spencers are eager to mediate peace talks between Diana’s sons. The brothers haven’t been on speaking terms since Harry stepped back as a senior royal in 2020.

“Earl Spencer promised at the funeral of his sister Diana… to constantly look after his nephews William and Harry,” said royal expert Ian Pelham Turner.

“It is no surprise to me that Harry stayed at Althorp recently because they have been very close since that time,” said Pelham Turner. “Harry can rely upon Earl Spencer. And no doubt, behind the scenes, [the earl] has been trying to build bridges with the brothers.”

Lady Jane Fellowes and her brother Earl Charles Spencer walking together all smiles.

Pelham Turner noted that “nothing is certain,” but Althorp could at least “become a secure temporary location for Harry and [his] family if they decide to return to Britain.”

Fellowes was married to Diana’s sister, Lady Jane Fellowes. According to People magazine, his service was also attended by Prince William and Diana’s older sister, Lady Sarah McCorquodale. The outlet noted that the service was held two days before the 27th anniversary of Diana’s death, on Aug. 31.

The princess, who was 36 when she died in 1997, is buried on the island in the middle of Round Oval Lake at Althorp, the outlet noted.

Lord Fellowes

“The brothers didn’t speak during the funeral, [but] the family was careful to inform Prince William of Harry’s return, which he didn’t prevent,” royal expert Hilary Fordwich claimed. “[It] does [give] hope… for some form of rapprochement in the future.”

“Both brothers adore their aunt Jane,” said Fordwich. “She is one of the very few people who might be able to mediate between the brothers.”

“Both Prince William and Harry have always remained close with their Spencer relations,” Fordwich continued. “Members of the Spencer family have been intertwined with the royals for centuries and currently have been working behind the scenes urging reconciliation between the brothers.”

Princess Dianas sisters kissing their nephews at Kensington Palace.

Harry has had a strained relationship with his family and has seen his father infrequently since he and his wife quit royal duties in 2020. At the time, the couple said the unbearable intrusions and racist attitudes of the British press were what prompted them to step back as senior royals. The father of two has since detailed his rocky relationship with his family in TV interviews, a documentary and his memoir, “Spare.”

In “Spare,” Harry details his rivalry with William.

In the book, Harry alleged that during an argument in 2019, William called his wife “difficult” and “rude” and then grabbed him by the collar and knocked him down. Harry suffered cuts and bruises from landing on a dog bowl. Harry claimed Charles implored the brothers to make up. Following the funeral of Charles’ father, Prince Philip, in 2021, the king pleaded, “Please, boys, don’t make my final years a misery.”

Prince William and Prince Harry with their backs turned walking away from each other.

When Harry returned to London in May to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, his spokesperson issued a statement, implying that his father, King Charles III, was too busy to meet with his son.

People magazine reported that while the brothers attended the service for Fellowes at St. Mary’s Church in Snettisham, Norfolk, they sat separately with different groups of their maternal cousins.

“Most people were astounded that Harry came,” one of the reported 300 attendees told the outlet. “He was on remarkably good form — and you could tell he was very pleased to see everybody. And he was very pleased that he had come over.”

“Earl Spencer promised at the funeral of his sister Diana… to constantly look after his nephews William and Harry.”

— Ian Pelham Turner, royal expert

A close-up of Earl Charles Spencer in a blue blazer and white shirt.

The Spencer family has seemingly supported the Sussexes following their royal exit. Diana’s sisters were reported among the 20-30 guests who attended Princess Lilibet’s christening in California.

Harry was previously pictured with his aunts in 2021 when he unveiled a statue of his late mother alongside William at Kensington Palace. The brothers were seen being warmly greeted by the women with kisses and hugs.

“I believe Lady Jane Fellowes likely wants to see a reconciliation – for their mother,” said Kinsey Schofield, host of the To Di For Daily podcast.

A close-up of Princess Dianas sisters in their younger years standing side by side.

“After Diana’s death, Jane tried to make all their sporting events,” she explained. “Some even believe she is a Godparent to Prince Archie. But I certainly don’t think that the Spencer family is trying to orchestrate an elaborate truce… It was Earl Spencer, at the request of Prince William, who stepped in and warned Prince Harry about moving too quickly in his relationship with Meghan Markle. There has consistently been an effort to keep Harry’s nose out of trouble.”

 

Prince Harry ‘has an uncertain future’ after tell-alls: royal expert

“I would caution Harry though,” Schofield warned. “If it looks like he is attempting to build a competing court in the U.K. through the Spencer family… I suspect Prince William will intervene.”

Christopher Andersen, author of “The King,” previously told Fox News Digital that Diana’s sisters are determined to protect Harry in honor of their late sibling.

Princess Diana wearing a white dress and a tiara holding a bouquet of flowers.

“They are… filling the void left by the royal family,” said Andersen. “I think there’s also a none-too-subtle message here — one being sent by both the Sussexes and Diana’s family — that even if the royals turn their backs on them, Harry, Meghan and their children will always have Diana’s family in their corner.”

“In that sense, Lady Sarah and Lady Jane are really proxies for Diana,” he noted. “They were at the christening because she couldn’t be there. It’s really quite touching when you think about it.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue to carve out roles for themselves in California, where they reside with their two young children.