Reports of a Decision Not to Move to Althorp

According to a report in The Mail on Sunday, cited by The News International, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not move to Charles Spencer's 13,000-acre estate, Althorp, where Princess Diana grew up. The report, attributed to royal insiders, suggests that Earl Spencer was prepared to offer a house to the couple at the Northamptonshire estate, which has been the Spencer family home for over 500 years. A close confidant was quoted as saying, "If Harry had asked his uncle for a property at Althorp, he would have done all he could to find him somewhere suitable." However, the confidant added, "He has made his own plans."

The News International also reported that Charles Spencer first learned of Harry's plans last Thursday morning when the story broke in the newspapers. A source said, "It was known that he wanted to come back but it was not known that it was imminent." The report suggests Harry's decision would likely disappoint his uncle, though no direct comment from Spencer has been reported.

Context: Harry's Relationship with His Uncle

Harry remains close to Charles Spencer following his and Meghan's decision in 2020 to step back as senior royals and move to the United States, as reported by The News International. The couple, along with their children, visited Althorp last month, a visit described as a "blissful" few days. Harry has also visited several times in recent years, including a trip in July during which he took his family to his mother's grave.

Earl Spencer's Rare Photo and Upcoming Book

In a separate development, Charles Spencer shared a rare photograph of Princess Diana's resting place on his official Instagram account, as reported by the Daily Express. The black-and-white photo shows the Oval Lake at Althorp House, where Diana was laid to rest in 1997. The lake features a path of thirty-six oak trees, marking each year of her life. According to Spencer, the picture was taken "130 years ago."

The photo was shared just days before Harry's return to the UK. Diana's brother is also preparing for the release of his new book, "Swan Song: Diana, My Sister," next month.

Background: Princess Diana's Burial and Funeral

Princess Diana was originally meant to be buried in the Spencer family vault, but the plan was rejected due to safety concerns. Her funeral took place on September 6, 1997, attended by 2,000 people and watched by an estimated 2.5 billion worldwide. The official ceremony was held at Westminster Abbey and concluded at Althorp.

In his memoir, "Spare," Harry wrote that there was "absolutely no way" he would have let his brother, Prince William, walk behind their mother's coffin alone.