Prince Harry of Wales

Prince Henry of Wales (Henry Charles Albert David Mountbatten-Windsor) (born September 15, 1984), informally named Prince Harry by his parents,{{ref|parents}} is the third in the line of succession to the British throne and the thrones of other Commonwealth Realms, behind his father, the Prince of Wales, and his elder brother, Prince William of Wales). He is the grandson of Queen Elizabeth II. He has generally been regarded as a carefree, fun-loving, and rebellious member of the British Royal Family. The Prince has also become well known as a magnet for controversy and gaffe-plagued actions.

Death of Diana, Princess of Wales

The princes not only had to endure the pain of their parents' breakup, but the humiliation of having the most intimate details of the marriage splashed in the headlines; Charles's and Diana's public admissions of adultery didn't help. They were divorced in 1996.

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On August 31, 1997, Diana was killed in a car accident in Paris, with her partner Dodi Al-Fayed and their driver Henri Paul (although a bodyguard survived, probably because he was the only one in the car wearing a seat belt). Her death came days after she spent a holiday in Southern France with William and Harry. The princes were staying at Balmoral Castle; it was Charles who awoke them and broke the tragic news.

Related Topics:
August 31 - 1997 - Paris - Dodi Al-Fayed - Balmoral Castle

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At Diana's celebrity-studded funeral - which was broadcast live throughout the world - the princes, their father, grandfather (Prince Philip), and uncle (the Earl Spencer) walked behind Diana's funeral cortege from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey. On Diana's coffin was a card from Harry, made out to Mummy. Cameras were barred from showing the princes during the service itself; Harry reportedly broke down and sobbed several times. Both princes were praised for their strength shown on that day.

Related Topics:
The Earl Spencer - Buckingham Palace - Westminster Abbey

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Contrary to his eulogy, in which he promised that Diana's "blood family" would take over her less-traditional upbringing of them, the boys have seen little of the Earl Spencer and the other members of Diana's family.

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