Prince Harry spotted at Heathrow to attend Prince Philip's funeral without pregnant wife Meghan Markle
Prince Harry has arrived back in the UK to attend his grandfather’s funeral. According to Daily Mail, Harry flew to London’s Heathrow Airport on Sunday, April 11, ahead of the funeral for his grandfather Prince Philip.This is the first time Harry has returned to his home country since quitting royal duties last year. However, his wife Meghan Markle was unable to accompany him because of her advanced pregnancy.
Various reports suggest that Markle was advised not to take any chances at this point in time and was not medically cleared to travel with him. In a short tribute to Philip, the Sussexes wrote on their Archewell organization website: "In loving memory of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, 1921-2021. Thank you for your service... you will be greatly missed." Harry was last pictured with Philip in May 2019, when they were seen posing for a photograph with baby Archie at Buckingham Palace.
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Harry will be able to avoid England’s quarantine rules because of his stature. He would likely isolate for only five days after arriving from Los Angeles, California. However, there are still some doubts as to where he will be quarantining. Some reports suggest that he will be spending his first five days at Nottingham Cottage because his official home has been handed over to Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank.
Relations between Harry and the Royal Family soured after the bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey, in which Markle and Harry accused the family of racism while Philip was in the hospital receiving treatment for a pre-existing heart condition and an infection. As far as the funeral is concerned, the ceremonial royal funeral will be held at St George's Chapel, on the grounds of Windsor Castle, on Saturday, April 17. The Royal Family has also revealed that it will be a private funeral with only 30 people in attendance.
If the duke had requested a state funeral, it would have mostly involved a military procession to Westminster Abbey, where his body would lie in state for the public to view and pay their respects. The last time the UK held a state funeral was in 1965 when former prime minister Winston Churchill passed away. The last royal to receive a state funeral was King George VI in 1952.
The UK will observe eight days of national mourning. The national flags will fly at half-mast on all government buildings. According to BBC, the duke's coffin is draped in his personal flag, his standard. The flag represents elements of his life, from his Greek heritage to his British titles. A wreath of flowers has also been placed on the coffin.
BBC also reports that people around the world can pay their respects by making a donation to a charity instead of leaving floral tributes in memory of Prince Philip. People can also buy an online book of condolence from the website to post their personal tributes.
