Prince Harry ignored questions about Earl Spencer’s book as he appeared at the inaugural Invictus Spirit Awards in Greenwich, while describing his return to the UK as “eventful” amid a public dispute between his father, King Charles, and Diana’s brother.
The Duke of Sussex was asked about the memoir as he arrived at the Old Royal Naval College, where he posed for photographs and selfies with veterans.
“Harry, Harry, how are you feeling about your uncle’s book?” a reporter called from the red carpet.
Harry appeared to hear the question but looked straight ahead, placing his arms around the shoulders of two veterans and offering no response.
He later spoke briefly about his return to Britain, saying: “It’s great. It’s wonderful to be back on British soil and really nice to see so many old faces and friends.
“It’s been eventful, but we’re getting stuck into the work. The kids are in school. We’re happy. And, as I said, it’s great to be back on British soil and, yeah, looking forward to Birmingham next year.”
The Sussexes have faced difficulties during their return, including taking their children out of school after two days because of security concerns linked to traffic. Sources close to Harry have said he was aware of Earl Spencer’s book, although they insisted he had not read it.
Harry attended the awards in black tie and wearing his military medals. Five prizes were due to be presented, with 14 individuals and organisations nominated across categories including Resilience, Champion, Community and Movement.
Among those attending were former England rugby player James Haskell, comedian James Corden, singer Jess Glynne and actor Ross Kemp. Harry also addressed veterans at the ceremony, saying: “I want to say this as one soldier to another: your service matters. What you gave in uniform matters.”
Earl Spencer’s claims about King Charles
Earl Spencer’s memoir has prompted an unusual response from the Palace after he alleged that Charles appeared “elated – like a lottery winner” following Diana’s death.
He also claimed that Charles said Diana would soon be forgotten, and that Diana had told him her royal husband was in love with his valet. The allegations relate to the late princess’s 15-year marriage and Charles’s love for Camilla.
The Palace said it did not normally comment on books, but added that “the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgment and colour memory in ways others do not recognise, even many years after such a loss”.
A royal aide subsequently described the account of Charles’s alleged remarks as a “demonstrably untrue claim” about a deeply compassionate man.
Julian Payne, the King’s former communications secretary, said Charles had instructed staff for years after Diana’s death to respect her memory and not undermine it. The Palace declined to comment on Earl Spencer’s further claims.
