Prince Harry’s recent secret “clever tactic” could help pave the way to a “truce” with King Charles, a former royal butler has suggested.
The Duke of Sussex was celebrated for his subtle gesture during VJ Day commemorations last week.
Grant Harrold, who was employed at Highgrove by King Charles from 2004 to 2011, has suggested that Harry’s decision to arrange a tribute to his late grandfather, Prince Philip, at the National Memorial Arboretum demonstrated thoughtful consideration.
**ARE YOU READING THIS ON OUR APP? DOWNLOAD NOW FOR THE BEST GB NEWS EXPERIENCE**
The former royal household member characterised the gesture as "nicely done".
Prince Harry's latest gesture has been praised as 'very clever' and a step towards reconciliation with King Charles
|GETTY
Mr Harrold praised the approach as demonstrating Harry's awareness that his presence, or a more overt gesture, might have diverted attention from the main ceremony attended by his father.
"I think the King would've appreciated that he was not trying to hijack the occasion, because that's what would've happened," he told The Mirror.
“It also shows a bit of diplomacy as well, so maybe this is a sign of Harry trying not to step on his father’s feet and trying to show that he wants to show his respect, especially to Prince Philip,” the former butler explained.
“Because he adored his grandfather, and there are bits of Harry that are just like Philip."
The Duke of Sussex had a subtle tribute to Prince Philip laid at a VJ Day event attended by the King
|GETTY
Mr Harrold praised the move as “a very clever tactic” and felt it could part of a “behind the scenes truce to move forward.”
The former butler felt that ultimately Harry would reconcile with the Royal Family, regardless of the frosty relations that remain.
“So even if William as the big brother is angry at what Harry is done and maybe has more reservations about meeting up with Harry, I think the King, at this point in his life, will be thinking ‘Let’s look at the bigger picture, life’s too short, and family is all you’ve got',” he told The Mirror.
On August 15, the Duke of Sussex arranged for his heartfelt tribute to be positioned at the Burma Star Memorial several hours following the departure of the King and Queen from their official VJ Day ceremony.
The former royal butler felt the move could be part of a 'behind the scenes truce to move forward'
|GETTY
Harry gave explicit directions to a friend that the wreath and accompanying letter should only be laid after his father and stepmother had concluded their commemorative event in Staffordshire.
The tribute featured Harry's royal insignia and honoured military personnel who served in the Far East, particularly acknowledging his grandfather Prince Philip's wartime service in that region.
Harry’s tribute to Prince Philip reads: "For me, this anniversary carries an added layer of meaning. My late grandfather, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, served in the Pacific campaign.
“He spoke with quiet humility about those years, but I know how deeply he respected all who stood beside him in that theatre of war. Today, as I think of him, I think also of each of you, of the shared hardships, the bonds forged, and the legacy you leave."
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Harry is believed to have asked a friend to lay the wreath and his personal message on the day
|GB NEWA
The Duke of Sussex was understood to be close to his late grandfather before he died, and previously described him as "a man of service, honour and great humour".
Prince Harry's tribute to his late grandfather formed part of a lengthy statement, signed by the Duke, in which he thanked the those who served or their sacrifice for the freedom of future generations.
In recent months, Harry has made several overtures towards the Royal Family that began in July when representatives of the Duke and King Charles met in London for apparent peace talks.
Later, it emerged Harry had offered to share diary dates with the King in order to avoid engagement overlaps.