By Criss
By Scarlett O’Toole, Senior US Showbiz Reporter
London, May 9, 2024 – Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, received unexpected support from his “second dad,” Mark Dyer, during an Invictus Games event held at St Paul’s Cathedral last night.
The appearance of Mark Dyer, a retired Welsh Guards officer, has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about the dynamics within the Royal Family.
The service at St Paul’s Cathedral marked the 10-year anniversary of the Invictus Games, a sporting event founded by Prince Harry to honor wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women. Despite being snubbed by other members of the Royal Family, Harry found solace sitting next to Mark Dyer inside the historic cathedral.
A Special Bond
Mark Dyer’s relationship with Prince Harry dates back to the aftermath of Princess Diana’s tragic death in 1997. As a key figure in the lives of both Harry and his brother, Prince William, Dyer provided emotional support during a challenging time. While their father, Prince Charles, focused on royal duties and the rehabilitation of Camilla, Dyer became a strong male presence for the young princes.
According to royal expert Tom Quinn, Mark Dyer’s decision to support Harry at the Invictus Games service reflects his belief that the Duke of Sussex needs more support than the Royal Family is willing to provide. “Dyer gets on with both brothers but has a soft spot for Harry, who he feels is misunderstood by his family,” Quinn explained. “He needs a lot more support than they were ever prepared or able to give.”
Taking Sides
The reunion between Harry and Dyer was not without risks. Quinn suggests that Dyer’s presence at the event could be interpreted as taking sides, especially by Prince William and Prince Charles. Nevertheless, Dyer’s unwavering commitment to Harry’s well-being prevailed.
“Mark Dyer is to Harry what Lord Mountbatten was to King Charles: a second father,” Quinn stated. “The boys, but especially Harry, loved his strength of character and decisiveness.”
Ginger Bond
In his memoir Spare, Prince Harry candidly shared his admiration for Mark Dyer. The two bonded over their shared ginger hair, with Harry recalling, “I was a ginger, self-conscious about it, but Marko was an extreme ginger and owned it. I gawped at him and thought: teach me to be like that.”
As tensions within the Royal Family persist, Mark Dyer’s steadfast support serves as a reminder that sometimes chosen family can be just as important as blood relatives. Whether Harry’s decision to sit next to Dyer will have broader implications remains to be seen, but it underscores the complexities of royal relationships.
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