Prince Harry Stayed at Althorp, Princess Diana's Childhood Home, During Recent U.K. Visit (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Prince Harrymade a poignant visit Althorp House, the ancestral home of his late mother,Princess Diana, during his recent trip to the U.K.

The Duke of Sussex, 39, stayed with his uncleCharles Spencerat Althorp House following hissurprise appearance at the memorial servicefor his late uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes, on August 29, PEOPLE has learned.

The service was held two days before the 27th anniversary of Diana’s death on Aug. 31. Diana, who was 36 when she died following a car crash in Paris, is buried on the island in the middle of Round Oval Lake at Althorp.

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On the anniversary of his sister’s death, Charles, the 9th Earl Spencer,honored Princess Diana on Instagram with a tribute postfeaturing a collage of photos and newspaper clippings. The collection included images from Diana’s christening and a childhood photo of her playing outside.

Although both Harry and his estranged brother William attended the service for Lord Fellowes at St. Mary’s Church in Snettisham, Norfolk, theysat separately with different groups of their maternal cousins, a member of the congregation tells PEOPLE.

“Most people were astounded that Harry came,” one of the reported 300 attendees tells PEOPLE. “He was on remarkably good form — and you could tell he was very pleased to see everybody. And he was very pleased that he had come over.”

Prince Harry in May 2023 and Princess Diana in June 1997.Andy Stenning WPA Pool/Getty; Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty

Andy Stenning WPA Pool/Getty; Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty

Two years ago, during a visit to the U.K., Harry brought his wife Meghan Markle to Althorp to visit his mother’s grave. In his memoirSpare, Harry reflected: “No visit to this place was ever easy, but this one… twenty-fifth anniversary. And Meg’s first time. At long last, I was bringing the girl of my dreams home to meet mum.”

“We hesitated, hugging, and then I went first. I placed flowers on the grave. Meg gave me a moment, and I spoke to my mother in my head, told her I missed her, asked her for guidance and clarity,” he wrote. “Feeling that Meg might also want a moment, I went around the hedge, scanned the pond. When I came back, Meg was kneeling, eyes shut, palms against the stone.”

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“I asked, as we walked back to the boat, what she’d prayed for,” Harry added. “Clarity, she said. And guidance.”

source: people.com