In sad news, Lord Robert Fellowes, Princess Diana’s brother-in-law and uncle to Princes Harry and William, has passed away at 82. He was married to Jane, Diana’s older sister, for more than 40 years, and together they had three children: Laura, Alexander, and Eleanor, all cousins of the royal brothers. Laura is also a godmother to Princess Charlotte.
Lord Fellowes, who served as Queen Elizabeth II’s private secretary from 1990 to 1999, was a key adviser during some of the most challenging years of the monarchy, including the divorces of three of her children and Princess Diana’s tragic death. He was part of the trusted group of royal advisers and helped craft the Queen’s speech before Diana’s funeral. His relationship with Diana was sometimes complex, as with many of the royal family’s internal dynamics.
He passed away on July 29, 2024, though the cause of death has not been disclosed. Tensions have remained high between Princes Harry and William, particularly after Harry’s decision to step down as a senior royal in 2020. Their strained relationship persists, with Harry reportedly finding it difficult to connect with King Charles, despite his concerns about the safety of his wife and children.
The royal family continues to face scrutiny, with Princess Anne’s recent challenges drawing attention to systemic weaknesses. However, Princess Catherine’s public appearances, including a notable outing at Wimbledon with her daughter Charlotte and sister Pippa Middleton, have helped strengthen royal morale. This prompted Harry to reach out to her in an attempt to heal their fractured relationship.
The royal family’s evolving health issues and public pressures have pushed Prince William into a more prominent role. Despite challenges, Princess Catherine’s ongoing involvement has been critical in maintaining royal duties. To adapt to these pressures, William and Catherine have discussed training new royals to better prepare them for their responsibilities. This shift may include encouraging Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis to pursue careers outside the monarchy, reflecting a broader effort to modernize the royal family.
As the second and third in line to the throne, Charlotte and Louis may not face the same obligations as their older brother George. This would allow them more freedom to follow their own passions while still maintaining ties to their royal heritage. This concept of royals pursuing independent careers is not new, with figures like Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie balancing their royal roles with professional lives. Encouraging Charlotte and Louis to follow suit would align with this approach and allow them to make their own meaningful contributions to society.