On September 8, 2025, the United Kingdom marked the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing. The late monarch, who reigned for 70 years and was the nation’s longest-serving sovereign, died peacefully at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96.
As millions across the UK and the Commonwealth paused to remember her, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, made a private visit to St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, where his grandmother is laid to rest. The Duke’s gesture came shortly after he arrived in the UK for a series of engagements, including his role at the WellChild Awards in London.
A Private Visit to Windsor
According to reports from reputable media outlets including the BBC and The Guardian, Prince Harry quietly traveled to Windsor Castle to honor the late Queen’s memory. St George’s Chapel, located within the castle grounds, serves as the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II, alongside her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and her parents King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
The visit was private, with no official photographs released. However, several outlets noted that the Duke arrived at Heathrow before being driven to Windsor. His act of remembrance underscores his continued bond with his grandmother, despite the geographical distance since relocating to California with his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, in 2020.
Prince William and Princess Catherine’s Tribute
While Prince Harry chose a private remembrance at Windsor, Prince William, the Prince of Wales, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, honored Queen Elizabeth II in a different way. The couple attended an engagement with the National Federation of Women’s Institutes (WI) in Berkshire.
The late Queen had a long-standing connection with the WI, reflecting her commitment to community service and civic engagement. During the event, the Prince and Princess of Wales spoke with members about the Queen’s enduring legacy of public service. Their participation highlighted how different members of the royal family commemorated the milestone in personal and public ways.
Queen Elizabeth II’s Legacy
Queen Elizabeth II remains one of the most influential figures in modern history. Ascending to the throne in 1952, following the death of her father, King George VI, she became a symbol of stability and duty throughout decades of social, political, and cultural change.
During her reign, she worked with 15 Prime Ministers, from Winston Churchill to Liz Truss, and met countless world leaders, including U.S. Presidents from Harry S. Truman to Joe Biden.
Her Platinum Jubilee, celebrated in June 2022, marked an unprecedented 70 years on the throne. Just months later, she passed away at Balmoral. Following her death, Charles III ascended the throne, beginning a new chapter for the monarchy.
Prince Harry’s Continuing Charitable Role
Prince Harry’s visit to Windsor coincided with his return to the UK for the WellChild Awards, a charity he has supported for more than 15 years. WellChild is a national UK organization that helps children and young people with complex medical needs receive care at home whenever possible.
During the awards, Prince Harry was scheduled to:
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Deliver a speech honoring the resilience of seriously ill children.
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Meet families supported by the charity.
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Present an award to a young child who has shown remarkable courage despite medical challenges.
In a statement released before the event, the Duke said the stories highlighted at WellChild represent “the power of compassion, connection, and community.”
The Royal Family’s Schedule
While Harry attended WellChild in London, King Charles III was in Scotland, continuing his schedule following recent public duties. The King, who succeeded his mother in 2022, has balanced engagements with ongoing health treatment, as Buckingham Palace previously confirmed.
The third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s passing also marked a moment of reflection across the UK. Churches held memorial services, while public broadcasters aired tributes showcasing her life of service.
Harry’s Previous Visits to the UK
Prince Harry’s latest trip marks one of his few visits to Britain in recent years. His last appearance in the UK was in May 2025, when he attended a High Court hearing related to his security arrangements.
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan have pursued philanthropic, media, and advocacy work through their Archewell Foundation, while raising their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, in the United States.
Though his time in Britain is now limited, Harry’s private tribute at Windsor highlights the personal significance of honoring the Queen, who was a guiding figure throughout his life.
Queen Elizabeth II’s Resting Place
St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle is one of the most historic religious sites in the UK. The chapel has been the setting for royal weddings, funerals, and other ceremonies for centuries.
Queen Elizabeth II was interred in the King George VI Memorial Chapel, a small annex to St George’s Chapel. This space also contains the remains of her parents and sister, Princess Margaret. The Duke of Edinburgh was laid to rest alongside her following her death.
Visitors to Windsor often pay respects at the chapel, which remains an active place of worship.
A Nation’s Remembrance
Three years after her passing, Queen Elizabeth II continues to hold a special place in the hearts of the British people and millions across the Commonwealth. Her dedication to public service, calm leadership, and enduring presence during times of challenge are remembered fondly by many.
As her children and grandchildren mark the anniversary in their own ways, it is clear that her legacy of service and devotion to duty lives on.
Conclusion
Prince Harry’s private visit to Queen Elizabeth II’s final resting place at Windsor Castle reflects the personal nature of grief and remembrance within the royal family. While his brother and sister-in-law attended a public engagement to honor the Queen’s memory, Harry’s act of tribute was more intimate, underscoring the different but meaningful ways in which family members continue to honor her.
As the UK and Commonwealth commemorate the third anniversary of her passing, Queen Elizabeth II remains an enduring symbol of dedication and service. Her reign, spanning seven decades, left an indelible mark on history, and her memory continues to inspire across generations.