The Duke of Sussex laid a wreath and a handwritten note in honor of the “Forgotten Army” who served in the Pacific during World War II. He also paid tribute to his grandfather, Prince Philip, who served in the Royal Navy during the conflict.
Harry’s solo visit took place shortly after the official 80th anniversary commemoration, which was led by King Charles and Queen Camilla. The Duke did not attend the formal event, but his private visit—accompanied by professional photographers—quickly attracted attention.
According to sources who spoke with Radar Online, the timing of Harry’s appearance and the release of well-composed photographs raised eyebrows among senior royals and palace staff.
“Harry’s move was no accident,” one source said. “Arriving after the King had gone made it seem respectful on the surface – but the timing, the note, and the perfectly staged photos made it obvious it was a PR play.”
The insider continued, “People in the palace were livid. It was meant to be the King’s moment of remembrance, yet Harry managed to turn the spotlight back on himself.”
Another source added that the event had been carefully planned for months, with the King and Queen front and center in honoring veterans of the Pacific campaign. “For Harry to appear afterward, conveniently with cameras waiting, felt very deliberate and carefully orchestrated,” the insider said.
“If this wasn’t a PR stunt, Harry could have laid the note quietly and walked away. But the fact it was captured and shared so neatly tells you everything you need to know,” another royal aide told the outlet.
Palace officials were reportedly unaware that the Duke planned to visit the memorial, and his presence “caught everyone off guard,” according to a senior courtier. “No one had Harry on the schedule. It was not coordinated with the palace.”
The controversy marks yet another flashpoint in the ongoing tension between Prince Harry and the royal family. Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, the Duke has frequently faced criticism from royal watchers for acting independently and allegedly overshadowing official royal events.
While Harry’s gesture may have been intended as a personal tribute, insiders say the optics have only deepened the rift between him and the rest of the royal household.