Prince Harry deflected questions about Earl Spencer’s controversial memoir during his first public outing since arriving back in Britain with Meghan.
Attending the inaugural Invictus Spirit Awards at Greenwich’s Old Royal Naval College last night, the Duke appeared relaxed until a journalist called out from the red carpet asking how he felt about his uncle’s book.
Harry’s expression turned serious, but he said nothing, instead fixing his gaze forward and resting his hands on the shoulders of two veterans flanking him.
The Duchess of Sussex did not accompany him to the event. Despite sidestepping the Spencer controversy, Harry conceded in his first interview since returning that recent weeks had been “eventful,” though he was quick to add: “We’re getting stuck into the work.”
Prince Harry deflected questions about Earl Spencer’s controversial memoir during his first public outing since arriving back in Britain with Meghan.
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Earl Spencer’s memoir, currently being serialised exclusively by the Daily Mail, contains explosive allegations about King Charles’s behaviour following Princess Diana’s death.
Among the most striking claims is that Charles reacted to the news with an elation Spencer likened to “a lottery winner.”
The Earl further alleges that Charles predicted Diana would soon be forgotten.
Sources close to Harry acknowledge he was “aware” of the book but maintain he has not read it. Its publication has coincided with the Sussexes’ return to Britain.
Among the most striking claims is that Charles reacted to the news with an elation Spencer likened to “a lottery winner.”
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The Palace hit back sharply, with royal aides suggesting that grief had undermined Earl Spencer’s “reason, judgement and memory.” Charles’s allies insisted the King was consumed by grief at the time and would never have spoken in such terms.
The Duke of Sussex’s return to Britain has been far from smooth. Within days of arriving, Harry and Meghan withdrew their children from school after just two days, citing security worries related to traffic.
Yet speaking on the red carpet in Greenwich, the Duke struck a determinedly positive tone. “It’s great. It’s wonderful to be back on British soil and really nice to see so many old faces and friends,” he said, grinning broadly.
He was keen to reassure that family life had settled down. “The kids are in school. We’re happy,” Harry added, before expressing enthusiasm about the Invictus Games heading to Birmingham next year. “Looking forward to Birmingham next year,” he said, dressed in black tie and displaying his military medals.
The Earl further alleges that Charles predicted Diana would soon be forgotten.
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During his speech at the ceremony, Harry addressed servicemen and women directly. “I want to say this as one soldier to another: your service matters. What you gave in uniform matters,” he told the audience.
The evening honoured courage and dedication within the Invictus community, with five awards presented including prizes for Resilience, Champion, Community and Movement. Fourteen individuals and organisations had been nominated across the categories.
The event drew a notable guest list. James Corden served as the evening’s host, whilst chart-topping vocalist Jess Glynne delivered the headline musical performance. Actor Ross Kemp was also among those present.
Before heading inside, Harry was photographed alongside former England rugby international James Haskell, a longstanding supporter of the Invictus Games.