In a candid revelation from his biography, “Spare,” the Duke has opened up about a rather uncomfortable encounter with King Charles and the Prince of Wales.
This meeting was intended to mend fences, but it quickly turned sour, leaving the Duke with a sense of disquiet that he couldn’t shake off.
Reflecting on his first return to London since stepping back from royal duties in April 2021, the Duke attended the funeral of Prince Philip.
This visit marked a significant moment for him, especially following his highly publicized interview with Oprah Winfrey alongside the Duchess.
However, the atmosphere was thick with tension as he awaited the arrival of the King and the Prince.
The Duke recounted feeling an unsettling anxiety as he anticipated their meeting.
It seemed as though both had deliberately avoided him for some time, heightening his sense of isolation.
As he stood there, two figures, grim and almost ominous, approached him.
Their demeanor sent chills down his spine, and he attempted to muster a weak smile, only to be met with their stoic expressions.
This encounter stirred up intense emotions for the Duke, particularly memories of his late mother, Princess Diana.
He found himself wishing for a moment that would honor her legacy, a moment of strength amidst the turmoil.
Yet, the response he received from the King and the Prince was anything but warm.
A single, painfully tepid word left him feeling even more vulnerable.
As he described the scene, the Duke noted how the two royals walked side by side, their expressions dark and foreboding.
It was as if they were united in their silent disdain, a stark contrast to the usual familial bickering.
In that moment, he couldn’t help but wonder whether this was a stroll or a showdown.
In his book, he vividly painted the picture of his approach.
Rising from his seat, he gingerly made his way toward them, a feeble smile attempting to bridge the chasm between them.
But their lack of reciprocation only deepened his unease.
With his heart racing, he reminded himself to breathe, grappling with the vulnerability that had accompanied him throughout pivotal moments in his life.
The Duke drew parallels between this encounter and other significant experiences he had faced—walking beside his mother’s casket, his first experiences in combat, and even moments when anxiety threatened to overwhelm him.
Each situation felt like embarking on an unpredictable journey, where the destination was unclear, but retreat was not an option.