In heartbreaking news today, Princess Diana's brother-in-law and the uncle of Princes Harry and William, Lord Robert Fellowes, has died at the age of 82. Jane, an older sister of the late Princess Diana, had been married to him for over 40 years, and they had three children: Laura, Alexander, and Eleanor, who are all cousins of the two royal brothers. Laura is also a godmother to Princess Charlotte.
The British courtier, who was Queen Elizabeth II's private secretary, served as the late monarch's most important adviser between 1990 and 1999, during the divorces of three of her children and Princess Diana's death. He was part of her small, trusted group of advisers who guided the royal family during those turbulent times. His obituary notes that he helped write the speech Elizabeth II gave to the nation from Buckingham Palace on the eve of Diana's funeral. As a palace courtier, he often had a complicated relationship with his sister-in-law.
Lord Fellowes is understood to have died of undisclosed causes on July 29, 2024. Prince William and his brother have had a somewhat strained relationship over the past few years, sparked by Prince Harry's decision to step down as a senior working royal in 2020. Their relationship has remained under pressure ever since, with reports indicating that Harry's calls to his father, King Charles, often go unanswered. The Duke had reportedly tried to reach out to Charles for help, as Harry is extremely concerned for the safety of his wife and children.
The unfortunate incident involving Princess Anne, one of the most influential members of the royal household, has highlighted weaknesses in the current system. Royal enthusiasts were delighted to see Princess Catherine returning to public engagements when she attended the Wimbledon men's final alongside her daughter, Princess Charlotte, and her sister, Pippa Middleton. Her outing reportedly prompted Prince Harry to reach out to his sister-in-law, who wrote a personal note in hopes of repairing their relationship.
In addition to other health concerns among prominent members of the royal household, there is an emphasis on the importance of a more extensive group of active royals. The media often scrutinizes King Charles's public appearances, forcing him to refute reports about his and Princess Catherine's well-being. This public pressure has compelled Prince William to assume an increasingly important role. Despite her ongoing treatment, Princess Catherine's involvement in recent royal events has been necessary.
As a solution to these issues, Prince William and Princess Catherine have suggested providing training to new members to prepare them for their roles as working royals. This marks a significant shift in the approach to royal duties. As part of radical plans to modernize the British monarchy, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis may be encouraged not to become working royals. This potential shift reflects a broader strategy aimed at streamlining royal responsibilities and adapting the institution to contemporary societal expectations.
As the second and third children of the heir to the throne, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are in a unique position. While their elder brother, Prince George, is likely to have a prominent role in the future of the monarchy, Charlotte and Louis may be given the opportunity to choose careers that reflect their personal interests and talents, rather than being obligated to fulfill royal duties. A source added that William and Catherine adore their children and their whole lives revolve around them. They want to find a practical solution to the "spare" problem that has troubled the family for generations.
The concept of royals pursuing independent careers is not entirely new. Several members of the extended royal family, such as Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, have successfully balanced professional careers with their royal heritage. Encouraging Charlotte and Louis to follow a similar path would build on this precedent, allowing them to contribute to society in meaningful ways while maintaining their royal connections.
