Prince Harry’s attempt to quietly honor his late grandfather, Prince Philip, during the recent VJ Day commemorations has sparked backlash within palace circles. What was meant as a heartfelt gesture has been branded “offensive” and “disrespectful” by insiders, according to reporting from entertainment journalist Rob Shuter in his Substack. The official service itself was a deeply moving occasion, with more than 30 surviving veterans — some over 100 years old — present to honor their fallen comrades.
Prince Harry gesture towards Prince Philip criticized by royals, say sources
Following a national service of remembrance in Staffordshire — presided by King Charles, Queen Camilla and Prime Minister Keir Starmer — Harry arranged a private tribute of his own. As reported by GB News, the Duke of Sussex asked a friend to leave a wreath. He also left a personal letter at the Burma Star Memorial after the royal family had departed. He timed it that way so as not to overshadow the official ceremony.
In his message, Harry reflected on the sacrifices of veterans who served in the Far East. He also mentioned those who served in the Pacific campaign. He recalled how Philip, who fought in the war, often spoke with humility about his service and the bonds he shared with fellow sailors. Harry wrote that thinking of his grandfather on this anniversary deepened the meaning of the occasion for him personally.
The tribute may have looked touching to the public, but palace aides reportedly saw it very differently. Rob Shuter reported that some courtiers consider the tribute hypocritical. They pointed to Prince Philip’s disapproval of Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back from royal duties. According to one palace insider, invoking Philip’s name now feels wrong. “Dragging him into their PR war? He’d be livid,” they said.
Biographer Christopher Andersen has also noted that Philip held strong views about the couple’s exit from royal life, believing Meghan had “led Harry astray.” Those close to the late Duke insist he never forgave the move. The fact that Harry did not attend the service in person only sharpened the contrast between his private gesture and the public display of unity by the rest of the royal family.
