2 tributes, 2 different paths
IN years gone by William and Harry might have issued a joint statement about their beloved grandfather – but as we all know, the brothers’ relationship is at an all-time low.
William’s words are straight out of the Queen’s less is more handbook – short, to the point, with one or two coded messages.
While Harry has gone for a more “let it all hang out” laid-back Californian approach, with references to barbecues, banter and beer.
I don’t doubt that both messages are sincere, and Harry’s is certainly more heartfelt than the weak missive he put out on his website at the weekend, thanking the Duke for his service.
But the sad truth is the two announcements serve to highlight the different paths these once-close brothers are on.
As a future Prince of Wales and King, William is more formal, and refers to serving not just the Queen, but also the country and Commonwealth.
The last paragraph in which he promises, along with his wife Kate, to support the Queen and “get on with the job” is a clear dig at Harry, who he probably feels has deserted his post.
By issuing an accompanying photo of his son
George with Philip he is also showing Harry what his children will miss – the love and support of the family on this side of the Atlantic.
Harry has tried to win over the public by referring to those who have lost a loved one in the pandemic.
But actions speak louder than words and I find it hard to understand why he went ahead with the controversial Oprah Winfrey interview knowing his grandfather was close to death. Having been sold to 70 countries with advertising slots, it would have been difficult to pull the programme if the Duke had died that week.
Philip apparently thought the interview was “madness” but that ultimately Harry and Meghan had to make their own choices – and mistakes.
By using the Royal Marines’ motto “Per Mare, Per Terram” (by sea, by land), Harry is saying he is a military man like his grandfather. But while Philip was CaptainGeneral of the Commandos for 64 years, Harry managed only 30 months.
It’s well known that Philip thought William and Harry should be looked after by him and the Queen at Balmoral after Princess Diana died in 1997.
He wrote in exasperation to a relative that they were criticised for taking the boys to church, saying : “Churches are for comfort and prayer.” It was his idea for them to walk behind Diana’s coffin and he told them: “You may regret not doing it later on, so if I walk will you?” And during that agonising walk, who can forget when Philip put a comforting arm on William’s back as they walked under an arch, thinking they were out of sight?
I’m sure Philip was devoted to them, as he was to all of his family. So it’s up to the pair of them to heal their rift this week as a tribute to his memory.