Princes William and Harry reportedly avoided speaking to each other at the memorial service for their uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes, according to the vicar who officiated the service.

Rev Dan Tansey told the Daily Mail that while the estranged brothers engaged with many family members and friends during the reception, they did not interact with each other.

UK media outlets also noted that the two were not seen conversing when they left the service.

The memorial, held on Thursday 29th August at St Mary’s Church in Snettisham, Norfolk, marked the first public occasion where William, 42, and Harry, 39, were together in a year.

The brothers have had limited contact since Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, stepped down from royal duties and relocated to California.

Earlier this year, the Duke of Sussex visited the UK to see his father, King Charles, after the monarch revealed he was undergoing cancer treatment, and also attended the Invictus Games in May.

"It was a surprise, but a really pleasant one, that they had both come, though perhaps less surprising that William was there," Rev Tansey shared with the outlet.

Lord Fellowes, who passed away last month at 82, was a key adviser to Queen Elizabeth II and served as her private secretary during the 1990s. His widow, Lady Jane Fellowes, is the sister of the late Diana, Princess of Wales.