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As Easter festivities enveloped the Royal Family in a swirl of tradition and togetherness, one notable absence cast a shadow over the celebrations.
Prince Harry's family missing traditions dating back to Queen Victoria
Prince Harry, now distanced from his royal roots and residing in California with his family, missed out on the cherished Easter plans and traditions again. His children, Archie and Lilibet, have never spent a holiday with their relatives in the UK.
The estrangement from his family, a consequence of Harry and Meghan's decision to step back from their royal duties in 2020, weighed heavily on Harry's mind this Easter.
Royal commentator Tom Quinn, shedding light on the emotions behind the scenes, shared with the Mirror in an exclusive interview the melancholy Harry must be experiencing.
The usual routine of Easter Sunday, a time-honored gathering at Windsor's St George's Chapel followed by a traditional lunch, held a special place in Harry's heart.
It was not just the rituals he cherished but the opportunity for his children to bond with their cousins, a poignant tradition dating back to Queen Victoria's era.
Quinn said "Harry always enjoyed this tradition because he got to meet an adoring public for a short period. But what's really going to upset Harry this year is that his children will miss out on the Easter egg hunt that takes place afterwards."
He also added, "Of course it would've given Archie and Lillibet a chance to get to know George, Charlotte and Louis. The family rift is going to prevent this and Harry will feel it keenly."
The Sussexes, now living in the opulent Montecito, missed not only the public gatherings but also the intimate family moments, such as the Easter egg hunt that followed the formalities.
Harry touched on the meaning on Easter in his recent memoir
For Harry, this Easter was tinged with nostalgia and longing, evoking memories from his memoir, Spare.
Recollections of simpler times, when Easter meant more than just chocolate eggs, emerged, highlighting the profound familial ties now strained by distance and circumstance.
In one poignant excerpt from his memoir, Harry recounted moments when familial tensions overshadowed the holiday spirit.
He reflected on the "simple Easter Sundays" spent at St. George's Chapel, reminiscing about the warmth of familial togetherness.
It is worth noting that on Sunday, King Charles made his first prominent public appearance since his recent cancer diagnosis, accompanied by Queen Camilla.
However, the absence of Prince William and Princess Catherine due to the latter's health concerns underscored the family's challenges.
Despite the physical separation, Harry remains connected to his homeland, with plans to return in May for the Invictus Games' 10th Anniversary Service.
The possibility of a private reunion with his brother, Prince William, looms, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the lingering tensions.