Prince Harry’s ‘secret visit to Duke of Kent’ following Duchess of Kent’s death

Prince Harry spent four days in the UK earlier this month

rince Harry’s whirlwind UK visit may have lasted just four days, but behind the public appearances and his long-awaited reunion with King Charles, one particularly private stop flew under the radar.

According to reports, the Duke of Sussex made a secret visit to Kensington Palace to see Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, following the death of his wife, Katharine, Duchess of Kent.

Prince Harry made ‘secret visit’ to Kensington Palace to see the Duke of Kent

Harry, 41, didn’t attend the Duchess of Kent’s funeral on September 16 as he had already left the UK for a visit to Ukraine.

However, a source close to the duke told HELLO! that he “travelled privately to Kensington Palace to offer condolences” to the Duke of Kent – Queen Elizabeth II’s cousin – in person before departing the UK.

The Duke of Kent’s wife Katharine, a beloved figure within the royal family, died on September 4 at the age of 92.

“He has loved catching up with family, friends and colleagues,” the source added.

Harry’s UK trip included appearances at the WellChild Awards and the Diana Legacy Award, where he honoured young changemakers.

On September 10, he also paid a private visit to Clarence House for a one-on-one private tea with his father, King Charles. It was their first face-to-face meeting in nearly two years.

Although brief, the meeting was hailed by royal commentators as a potential “step in the right direction” towards mending the fractured father-son relationship.

Charles and Harry have been estranged for some time thanks to the duke’s tell-all interviews and bombshell memoir, Spare, which contained allegations and revelations about his family.

He has loved catching up with family, friends and colleagues.

After his UK engagements, Harry flew to Ukraine to meet with wounded veterans and officials alongside his Invictus Games Foundation.

“His only regret was not being able to stay longer and see more people,” the source added. “The whole trip felt like a real success. His passion for his patronages… hasn’t dimmed one bit. He’s already buzzing to get back and do more.”

At several UK events, Harry’s signature charisma was on full display. From sharing jokes with children at WellChild to dancing with young activists in Nottingham, many remarked on his upbeat demeanour.

“He wants to feel the energy here. He cares, and that’s the main thing,” said Trevor Rose of Nottingham’s Community Recording Studio, where Harry visited.

Despite his distance from royal life, Harry has hinted at a continued connection to his roots.

Speaking to The Guardian during his trip to Ukraine, he acknowledged the challenges of the past but noted: “The focus really has to be on my dad.”

When asked whether he would bring his children, Archie and Lilibet, back to the UK despite ongoing security concerns, Harry simply said: “This week has definitely brought that closer.”

Following his European engagements, Harry returned to Montecito, California. The duke reunited with Meghan Markle and their children, Archie and Lilibet.

The couple were recently spotted at One805LIVE!, a charity concert for first responders hosted at Kevin Costner’s estate.

While royal insiders caution that a full reconciliation with the family may still be a long road, Harry’s secret visit to the Duke of Kent speaks volumes about where his heart remains.