On September 8, 2022, the British monarchy underwent a monumental shift with the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, elevating her son Charles to the throne. 

Before her passing, Princes William and Harry had rarely appeared together, especially since Harry stepped back from royal duties and relocated to the United States with Meghan and their children.

Their now-famous interview with Oprah Winfrey, in which the couple discussed their treatment by the royal family and the media, only appeared to deepen the rift between the brothers.

But the loss of a family member brought them face to face once again. Both Harry and William hurried to be with their grandmother when it became clear her health was rapidly declining.

According to TIME, Queen Elizabeth’s health had been a growing concern, and she was under close watch at Balmoral Castle. As PEOPLE reported, a statement had been released reading, “Following further evaluation this morning, The Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision. The Queen remains comfortable at Balmoral.” She passed away not long after.

On Saturday, September 10, 2022, Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle made a rare joint appearance outside Windsor Castle. The moment, which brought the “Fab Four” back together, was widely photographed and shared across social media.

Much of the online conversation focused on the couples’ body language, with particular attention on how each prince interacted with his wife. Many online observers leaned in favor of Harry, who appeared to be more physically supportive of Meghan as they viewed the floral tributes left outside the gates.

In the days leading up to the queen’s death, questions were raised about the role Harry—now somewhat of an outsider to royal tradition—would play in her funeral proceedings. Coincidentally, he and Meghan were already in the UK for a planned trip involving several charity events that were, according to TIME, “close to their hearts.” The timing meant they were in the country when the queen died.

The Sun reported that Harry looked visibly emotional as he arrived at Balmoral in a dark suit and tie. He had flown to Scotland without Meghan, who stayed behind in London, and was joined by his uncles, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, according to PEOPLE.

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?