Prince Harry’s quiet tribute on VJ Day was a step in the right direction after his “peace summit’ with King Charles, according to the monarch’s former butler.
During the 80th anniversary ceremony last week, King Charles III and Queen Camilla led the nation in remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum on August 15.
Hours later, a letter and wreath from Harry, carrying his royal emblem, mysteriously appeared at the Burma Star Memorial. The note honoured those who served in the Far East, including his late grandfather Prince Philip.
The Duke of Sussex had reportedly asked a friend to place the tribute only after the King and Queen had left, as reported by GB News last week.
Now, former royal butler Grant Harrold tells The Mirror the gesture was “nicely done” and showed “a bit of diplomacy.”
“I think the King would’ve appreciated that he was not trying to hijack the occasion,” Harrold said. “Because he adored his grandfather, and there are bits of Harry that are just like Philip. It’s a very clever tactic… part of this behind-the-scenes truce to move forward.”
Harrold believes Harry’s actions, coupled with Charles’ health concerns, could push father and son toward reconciliation. Harry himself has admitted he no longer wants conflict, telling the BBC: “It would be nice to have that reconciliation part now.”
However, the Daily Mail reported a day earlier that those within the Palace felt “hypocrite” Harry did in fact “hijack” the service. Insiders noted that even working royals, including Prince William and Princess Kate, deliberately refrained from leaving wreaths so the spotlight remained on the King and Queen.