Despite that, Papa H has a pic of them together. From Harold era I suspect as the fugly hat and earrings are in evidence. Maybe they were in truce for his sake. However someone did post many threads back that the brothers wife was very ill and that it coincided with Jacks oncologist post.I think she told a tale of punching him in the face which if true (lol) would suggest the estrangement is from his side rather than hers. I reckon (reckoning things about jacks life that I have no insight into is my no. 1 hobby these days) that the brother won't be around her hence her not being included in family events. eg. littlest bro delivering her sunday dinner to her rather than her (& her son that lives with her for defs) being at the family table.
I also you think that you can bet your arse Mrs H did all the day to day childcare of the foster children and not Mr MBE for being an exemplary foster carer in absentia. He no doubt made the loudest noise about it though.