Prince Harry's UK Return May Be Tied To Reported Princess Diana Film, Richard Kay Claims

Prince Harry's return to the UK is facing fresh scrutiny amid claims that he is preparing a television film about his late mother, Princess Diana, as the 30th anniversary of her death approaches.

The reported project has gained further attention after the claims were backed by former royal chef Darren McGrady, who revealed a film crew had been at Althorp, the Spencer family estate where Harry, Meghan and their children stayed during their UK visit earlier this year.

The claims were first made by royal commentator Richard Kay on the Daily Mail's Palace Confidential podcast. The development could also put renewed focus on Harry's strained relationship with his brother, Prince William.

Why the Timing of Prince Harry's Reported Diana Film Has Raised Eyebrows

Kay said on the publication's Palace Confidential podcast that Harry's reported extended time in Britain could be connected to the project.

'I am told that one of the reasons Harry's here is to make a television film, his own film, about his mother,' Kay said.

He added that Prince Harry reportedly reached out to their family and friends to 'contribute' for the alleged project.

Kay was convinced that the upcoming film would be taking much of Prince Harry's time following their move to the UK in August.

The claim has not been publicly confirmed by Harry or his representatives. However, McGrady, who previously worked for the Royal Family and was Princess Diana's chef, appeared to lend further weight to the report after mentioning a film crew at Althorp.

Writing on Instagram, McGrady said there 'was a film crew' at the estate and added: 'Oh, I did wonder if that's why the film crew were there when I visited Althorp earlier this week. #princessdiana.'

31 August 2027: Diana's 30th Anniversary and the Royal Rift

The reported film comes as attention turns towards 31 August 2027, when it will be 30 years since Diana died following a car crash in Paris. Diana was travelling through the Place de l'Alma underpass shortly before midnight on 30 August 1997 when the vehicle crashed.

She was taken to hospital for emergency surgery but was pronounced dead at 3am on 31 August, aged 36. Her death prompted widespread public mourning, while her sons William and Harry were aged 15 and 12 respectively. Diana was later buried at Althorp following her funeral at Westminster Abbey on 6 September 1997.

How Diana's Legacy Has Become a Royal Rift Flashpoint

Royal author Phil Dampier has previously argued that William and Harry's reported lifelong commitment to honour their mother together could be difficult to maintain as their relationship remains severely strained.

'I think William would find it very hard to meet Harry, even to honor Diana's memory,' Dampier said, describing the brothers' relationship as 'much more worse now.'

He said Princess Diana's 30th anniversary would provide an obvious opportunity for the royal siblings to appear together. He, however, does not think 'William's heart is in it.'

Dampier also claimed people close to William believe the Prince of Wales now regards Harry as part of his 'past', with his focus instead on Catherine, Princess of Wales, and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

The brothers did manage to reunite in 2021 to unveil a statue of Diana at Kensington Palace, but their relationship has reportedly deteriorated since then. When Harry returned to the UK in July, William did not meet him, despite Harry and Meghan reportedly holding a private meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla.

The rift between the brothers is widely attributed to the Sussexes' decision to step back as senior working royals in 2020, their move to California and subsequent public criticism of the Royal Family through interviews, the Netflix series Harry & Meghan and Harry's memoir Spare.

An insider previously described the brothers' relationship to People as 'so broken', while another source said, 'There is no contact' between them. With Princess Diana's 30th anniversary approaching, any film involving Harry could therefore place their separate approaches to their mother's legacy under renewed public scrutiny.