Prince Harry's solemn tribute to his late grandfather, Prince Philip, on VJ Day is facing backlash, with critics calling it a move designed to tug at the Royal Family's heartstrings.

Just last month, royal experts dismissed Harry's earlier gesture as "desperate," after he reportedly offered to share his diary with senior royals in hopes of rebuilding trust. 

Prince Harry has been estranged from most senior royals since he and Meghan Markle stepped away from official duties in 2020. 

Prince Harry's Memorial Gesture Branded 'Sniveling' By Critics

On August 15, Harry arranged for a handwritten message and a poppy wreath to be laid at the Burma Star Memorial in Britain's National Memorial Arboretum.

The date marked the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, which commemorates the end of World War II in Japan. While Harry remained in California, the tribute was delivered on his behalf.

However, the move raised eyebrows within royal circles, with some insiders accusing Harry of seeking attention rather than quietly paying respects.

"It looks like he was trying to tug at the heartstrings and remind the family of his military credentials. It feels calculated – and people are calling it sniveling," one source said.

Radar Online reported that another palace insider pointed out that the tribute was not cleared with royal officials, adding fuel to speculation that it was designed to appeal to King Charles at a sensitive moment.

"By ensuring it was seen and reported, he has opened himself up to accusations of being manipulative," the source explained.

The Duke Of Sussex Honors Late Grandfather Philip In VJ Day Letter

Harry's tribute at Britain's National Memorial Arboretum may have stirred debate, but for the duke, the gesture carried personal weight.

Although he gave up his honorary military titles in 2021 when Queen Elizabeth II finalized his royal exit, Harry's decision to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day tied back to both his service in Afghanistan and the legacy of his grandfather, Prince Philip.

In a message left with a poppy wreath, Harry reflected on Philip's role in the Pacific campaign. Philip, who died in 2021 at the age of 99, served as second-in-command of the destroyer HMS Whelp in Tokyo Bay when Japan formally surrendered aboard the USS Missouri in 1945.

Harry's letter referenced that history directly: "He spoke with quiet humility about those years, but I know how deeply he respected all who stood beside him in that theatre of war. Today, as I think of him, I think also of each of you, of the shared hardships, the bonds forged, and the legacy you leave."

The Father-Of-Two's Previous Peace Offer Dismissed As 'Desperate'

Harry's attempts at reconciliation with his family do not appear to be winning him much ground, as his VJ Day tribute is not the first one that has faced backlash.

In July, The Blast reported that royal commentator Hilary Fordwich described Harry's move to share his official diary engagements with the family as "desperate."

Calling it a "self-serving gesture," she said the offer would not ease the deep suspicion surrounding Harry since he and Meghan stepped away from royal duties.

Fordwich noted that King Charles has made it clear he remains "cautious and wary," worried that private family matters could end up in the public domain. That wariness, insiders say, is a key reason trust remains fractured.

Psychic Claims The Duke Of Sussex Will Stay A Royal Outcast For Years

While critics question Harry's public moves, another blow comes from a different front: the spiritual side. The Blast highlighted the readings of celebrity psychic George Valentino, who says the 40-year-old's attempts at peace with his family will not succeed anytime soon.

Valentino revealed that his cards show no "peace between the families for another eight to ten years." He added bluntly, "There will be no reconciliation, and Harry is always going to be an outcast."

The psychic also suggested Harry's rift with his brother is unlikely to heal until much later in life, while their wives, Meghan and Kate Middleton, remain locked in tension of their own.

Looking ahead, Valentino predicted Harry may shift focus to a different relationship: that of uncle to Prince George. He said Harry will make kind gestures, "but it's not reciprocated."

Book Alleges Prince Harry Once Fought Prince Andrew

Harry's attempts at smoothing things over might have hit another snag, this time from a new book dredging up drama from over a decade ago. 

The Blast reported claims from royal author Andrew Lownie's upcoming release, "Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York," which alleges Harry once physically fought his uncle, Prince Andrew, back in 2013.

The book claims tensions flared after Harry heard unflattering remarks the 65-year-old allegedly made about him, leading to a heated argument that reportedly turned violent. Lownie writes that "Harry got the better of Andrew," with the Duke of York ending up bloodied before others intervened.

Prince Harry's gesture may have been heartfelt, but his critics make it clear he still has a long road ahead in repairing ties with the royals.