The estranged brothers of Prince Harry and Prince William attended their uncle's funeral as a surprise, the pastor said.

On Wednesday, August 28, the brothers “discreetly” attended the funeral of Sir Robert Fellowes at St. Mary's Church in Snettisham, Norfolk. Earlier reports had indicated that the Duke of Sussex would not attend the funeral in person due to security concerns.

“It wasn't a tremendous shock that William was there because there was always a possibility, but I think it was more of a surprise that Harry was there,” the Rev. Dan Tansey, who was attending, said in an interview with The Sun.

“I had seen Prince William in the village before. I didn't expect to be informed because if he was coming there I would have had to keep quiet for weeks beforehand.”

The pastor said he had met both brothers and told this magazine what his encounters with both royal officials had been like.

“Prince William shook my hand only as I was greeting the congregation on my way out, and Prince Harry shook my hand shortly thereafter,” Pastor Tansey explained, adding that both the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex “thanked me for the service.” He added, “and I thanked them for coming.

Lord Fellowes, brother-in-law of the late Princess Diana and uncle of the embittered brother, died on July 29 at the age of 82.

Fellowes also served as assistant private secretary, deputy private secretary, and private secretary to the late Queen Elizabeth.

The pastor further stated that he had “no recollection of the two brothers speaking to each other” during the “very relaxed” reception that reportedly followed the memorial service.

“A lot of family and friends were talking to them,” he added.

“I know that Sir Robert and his aunt loved them both very much.

Other sources who were present told The Sun about the brothers' attendance.

Another source told the magazine that they both “arrived very discreetly” and “no one saw them talking to each other.”

“They kept their distance,” the person said.

According to The Sun, the surprise joint appearance was the first time the brothers had appeared in the same room since their father King Charles' coronation more than a year ago.