Source: Screenshot, Custom YouTube
Prince Philip, the 99-year-old husband of Queen Elizabeth, passed away on Friday at Windsor Castle. His grandson Prince Harry has since arrived in the United Kingdom for the funeral. Meghan Markle is not attending the service.
People Magazine has confirmed that Harry arrived in the U.K. on Sunday after flying there from his home in California. This marks the first time that Harry has been back to his home country in more than a year after he stepped down as a senior royal in January of 2020.
Meghan did not join her husband for the trip because she is pregnant with their second child. They’re expecting a baby girl who is due in early summer. A royal spokesperson said that Meghan “has been advised by her physician not to travel.”
Harry will quarantine at Frogmore Cottage, where he and Meghan used to live. He will be able to attend his grandfather’s funeral due to a provision in the law that allows mourners to leave quarantine on ‘compassionate’ grounds.
Related: Prince Philip Will Be Buried In This Special Place, Not Westminster Abbey
Philip’s funeral is set to take place this Saturday. His coffin will be processed through Windsor Castle.
The funeral will be televised and is scheduled to be shown at 3 p.m. U.K. time (10 a.m. ET). A palace spokesperson said that the funeral will be “much reduced in scale with no public access” due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Buckingham Palace spokesperson added that the funeral plans have been given final approval by the Queen but they “still very much reflect the personal wishes of the Duke. The occasion will still celebrate and recognize the Duke’s life and his more than 70 years of service to the Queen, the U.K. and the Commonwealth.”
“While this is naturally a time of sadness and mourning for the royal family and the many others who knew and admired the Duke of Edinburgh, it is hoped that the coming days will also be seen as an opportunity to celebrate a remarkable life: Remarkable both in terms of his vast contribution and lasting legacy,” said the spokesperson.
Related: Prince Harry Feels ‘Guilty’ That He Was Not There To Say Goodbye To Prince Philip Before His Death
Harry spoke out on Monday to pay tribute to his grandfather, saying, “My grandfather was a man of service, honour and great humour. He was authentically himself, with a seriously sharp wit, and could hold the attention of any room due to his charm—and also because you never knew what he might say next.”
“He will be remembered as the longest reigning consort to the Monarch, a decorated serviceman, a Prince and a Duke,” Harry continued.
“But to me, like many of you who have lost a loved one or grandparent over the pain of this past year, he was my grandpa: master of the barbecue, legend of banter, and cheeky right ’til the end.”
“He has been a rock for Her Majesty The Queen with unparalleled devotion, by her side for 73 years of marriage, and while I could go on, I know that right now he would say to all of us, beer in hand, ‘Oh do get on with it!'” he added.
“So, on that note, Grandpa, thank you for your service, your dedication to Granny, and for always being yourself. You will be sorely missed, but always remembered—by the nation and the world. Meghan, Archie, and I (as well as your future great-granddaughter) will always hold a special place for you in our hearts,” Harry said before ending his statement with the Royal Marines motto, “Per Mare, Per Terram,” which translates to, “By Sea, By Land.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Queen and her family during this difficult time.
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