As the world mourns the loss of the Duke Of Edinburgh, attention is now turning to his funeral.
Many royal punters are wondering whether the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who are currently based in Montecito, Santa Barbara, will attend Prince Philip’s funeral.
Buckingham Palace have confirmed Prince Harry will attend Prince Philip’s funeral, which will take place next Saturday April 17 at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
However his heavily pregnant wife Duchess Meghan, who is expecting their second child, has been advised by doctor’s not to fly to the UK for the event.
In line with current COVID-19 guidelines in the UK, Harry will quarantine for several days. He will then be tested for the virus and if his results come back negative, he should be able to join his family for the funeral.
Speaking to ET, respected royal reporter Omid Scobie, who penned the tell-all book about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex Finding Freedom, explained Harry “will do everything he can” to get back to the UK for his grandfather’s funeral.
“No doubt his team will be in close communication with Palace officials to find out when that is and if there is going to be enough time for him to arrive here and quarantine. But I imagine he is going to be doing everything he can to be here and pay his respects to his grandfather,” Scobie said.
“Meghan is heavily pregnant at the moment. That makes it very difficult for her to be traveling. Of course with little Archie, an event like this perhaps would not be appropriate,” the royal reporter noted.
Prince Harry’s reunion with his family will mark the first time he has seen them in person since he and Meghan’s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey, in which they spoke candidly about their struggles within the Royal Family.
Meanwhile the Duke and Duchess of Sussex took to their Archwell website to pay tribute to Prince Philip.
“In loving memory of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh 1921-2021 Thank you for all your service…you will be greatly missed,” the couple’s statement read.
The Palace confirmed the news of the 99-year-old’s passing overnight, writing: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
The statement continued: “His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. Further announcements will be made in due course.
“The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”
Buckingham Palace have recently announced plans for the late royal’s funeral, which will take place on April 17 at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
A small, COVID safe service will take place next Saturday, April 17 at 3pm at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. As the UK is still in lockdown, only 30 family members will be able to attend the event.
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