Prince William also made his way to Balmoral. His wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales, did not accompany him immediately, instead staying behind to collect their children from school—a detail that, like Meghan’s absence, led to comparisons between the brothers and their marriages.

Both princes shared a deep bond with their grandmother. According to OK! and royal commentator Katie Nicholl, the queen’s close relationship with William and Harry was partly shaped by the aftermath of Princess Diana’s tragic death in 1997.

When Diana died, Queen Elizabeth prioritized her grandsons’ emotional well-being. “That was one of the few times that the Queen has put family above duty,” Nicholl told OK!.

“She made a decision to stay in Scotland … and be there for William and Harry, rather than come back and address a nation in grief. She was heavily criticised, but she felt her grandsons needed her, and that meant a great deal.”

Years later, public scrutiny would once again descend on William and Harry—this time regarding how quickly they made it to Balmoral and how they behaved in the aftermath.

While Harry was praised for his attentiveness to Meghan, including gestures like opening her car door and staying close during public engagements, William was noted for his more reserved demeanor toward Kate.

Observers, including members of the press, commented on Harry appearing “better” in both his royal and marital roles, especially during a 40-minute walkabout among the flowers.

While such comparisons might be common when it comes to their public personas or even their hairlines, judging their grief in the wake of their grandmother’s death seems misplaced. Each man deserves the space to mourn without public judgment during such an intensely personal loss.

What are your thoughts on how William and Harry carried themselves during the funeral events?