Harry’s memoir was terrible blow to the King, says Soames

THE Duke of Sussex’s treatment of his family was a “terrible blow” to the King, it has been claimed.

Lord Soames, a close friend of the King, described Prince Harry’s decision to write a memoir, in which he made a series of intimate family revelations, as “most tragic” and the “cruellest” behaviour from a son to a father.

He told Times Radio: “Well, in respect of Prince Harry, I just think it’s the most tragic. I mean, I can’t put myself in the position where my own son, if he did something like that to me, it would just be the cruellest and one would mind. And of course, it was no different. Of course, the King was very, very sad, tragic. But as you say, we all have families. We’ve all lived through it. But it was a terrible blow.” He added that it would have been a “great pity” if Prince Harry had not come to the King’s Coronation.

“And he is coming and I just hope that we can keep all this in proportion. This is the day about the King and the Queen, not about Prince Harry,” he said.

Prince Harry is expected to arrive in the UK today, while the Duchess has chosen to remain in California. His trip will be a flying visit and he is not expected to attend other royal events.

Royal sources suggested the decision pleased the King, who had wanted the support of both of his sons on the momentous occasion.

The Duke will not play any official role in tomorrow’s ceremony and will be seated alongside the wider family in Westminster Abbey. He also does not expect to have any personal conversations with the King or the Prince and Princess of Wales on the day.

Following the publication of the Duke’s memoir, Spare, which contained a number of harmful allegations against both Prince William and the King and Queen, it is understood that the rift between Harry and his brother is so great, multiple sources do not see how it can ever be repaired.

Lord Soames also reflected on the Queen’s role in the Coronation. “I think it’s been a jolly, long, hard journey,” he said.

“It’s turned out well. And I think the Queen has done a really admirable job. She will do an admirable job because she is a completely straightforward person. I mean, what you see is what you get,” he added.

“And as someone said, thank God for someone who likes a fag and a pint.”