In the end, it played out just how they wanted.
With minimal fuss and the bare minimum of press attention – at least while they unveiled the long-awaited commemoration to their mother and her legacy.
You have to have a pretty good memory to recall such scenes where William and Harry walked side by side, smiling and joking – albeit nervously at times – as they interacted with one another.
Was it just like old times or were the smiles painted on, as a way of getting through the day?
No doubt they were acutely aware how their every move would be viewed with interest.
Many will be hoping this cooling of tensions could herald a new beginning but the road back for the two men who once shared such a close bond seems a long way off.
One thing this day did prove was their devotion to remembering their mother and what she stood for.
Amid the recent disagreements, perhaps they should heed the lessons of the past and make peace before the divide is all they can recall.
