Prince Harry to attend Philip’s funeral without Meghan

Prince Harry will attend his grandfather’s funeral alone, after it was revealed why Meghan wont be travelling with her husband.

Buckingham Palace today announced that Prince Philip’s ceremonial royal funeral will take place on April 17 at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.

However, while Prince Harry will travel to the UK to be with his family for the service, his wife Meghan will remain at their US home.

The Palace confirmed in a statement that the Duchess of Sussex, who is pregnant with her and Harry’s second child, was “advised not to travel” by her doctor.

Instead, Harry will make the journey alone from California where he will follow Covid-19 protocols for the trip, as well as during his visit.

Follow our live coverage of Prince Philip’s death

Meghan Markle won’t be attending Prince Philip’s private funeral on April 17, with Prince Harry having to attend the ceremony solo. Picture: Adrian DENNIS / AFP

A source close to Meghan reportedly said she made “every effort” to go.

“The Duchess has made every effort to travel alongside The Duke, but unfortunately, she did not receive medical clearance from her physician,” they told royal journalist Omid Scobie.

The trip marks the first time Harry will return to the UK, since March of 2020, when he and Meghan left after stepping back from their duties as senior working members of the royal family.

It will also be the first time Harry sees his family in person, following he and Meghan’s bombshell interview with Oprah, where they accused the royal family of racism.

𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Prince Harry will attend his grandfather’s funeral on Saturday (following all US and UK Covid-19 protocols in the process). A source adds that Meghan, who is heavily pregnant, made “every effort” to travel but didn’t receive medical clearance from her physician.

— Omid Scobie (@scobie) April 10, 2021

The pair have since copped major backlash after they left a “cold” tribute on Prince’s Philip’s Archewell website, following news of his death on Friday.

“In loving memory of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. Thank you for your service ... you will be greatly missed,” it read.

The brief message was labelled “impersonal” by those on social media, who criticised its “lack of affection”.

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Meghan, who is pregnant with her second child, was advised by doctors not to travel. Picture: STR / POOL / AFP

Private funeral

Prince Philip will receive a relatively private funeral in Windsor Castle, in line with both the coronavirus pandemic restrictions and his own wishes.

Among those attending the ceremony will be the Duke’s children, grandchildren and other close family.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will not be among the 30 guests, having stepped aside to allow for the attendance family members during coronavirus restrictions.

Prince Philip reportedly told son Prince Charles he wished to die inside the walls of Windsor Castle during the pair’s bedside meeting in hospital as the former’s condition deteriorated.

Jobson reported that Philip also “advised Prince Charles on caring for the Queen when he was gone” and shared his personal opinion on how Charles should lead the Royal Family through what could be a bumpy period ahead.

“The funeral will not be a state funeral and will not be preceded by a lying-in-state,” the College of Arms announced on Saturday.

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It will be the first time Harry will return to the UK since March of 2020, when he and Meghan left after stepping back from their duties as senior working members of the royal family. Picture: Paul Grover / POOL / AFP

Prince Philip’s royal funeral will take place on April 17 at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. Picture: Ben Stansall/Pool/AFP

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“His Royal Highness’s body will lie at rest in Windsor Castle ahead of the funeral in St George’s Chapel. This is in line with custom and with His Royal Highness’s wishes.

“The funeral arrangements have been revised in view of the prevailing circumstances arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and it is regretfully requested that members of the public do not attempt to attend or participate in any of the events that make up the funeral.”

Originally published as Prince Harry to attend Philip’s funeral without Meghan