Meghan Markle watched Prince Philip’s funeral from US, and sent handwritten note
The Duchess of Sussex was not allowed to fly to the UK for Prince Philip’s funeral but she did send her own tribute as the royal family mourned.
Meghan Markle left a handwritten note to The Duke of Edinburgh remembering him, it was confirmed, as the royal family gathered to farewell Prince Philip.
Pregnant Meghan, who reportedly watched the funeral with Archie via livestream from her home in LA, had asked for the note to be left alongside a wreath, which included the flowers of Prince Philip’s beloved Greece and sea holly in honour of the Royal Marines, the BBC reported.
BBC presenter Huw Edwards confirmed it on Saturday ahead of the funeral starting.
The Duchess of Sussex, 39, remained in the US on doctor’s advice while Prince Harry made the 5,400-mile trip to the UK for the funeral.
FULL COVERAGE OF PRINCE PHILIP’S FUNERAL
But Buckingham Palace confirmed those who were unable to attend would make “private arrangements” to mark Philip’s life.
Meghan would have been able to watch the sombre proceedings through a special live stream with Archie.
RELATED: Queen orders William and Harry be separated at funeral
Mourners who would have attended if Covid regulations limiting funeral numbers weren’t in place were given special log-in details.
The online coverage carried the same footage as BBC, ITV and other broadcasters, but didn’t have live commentary and punditry.
While in the States, Meghan and Harry’s pals Omid Scobie and Gayle King lead the coverage.
RELATED: Real reason Meghan didn’t fly to the UK
Philip’s funeral was different to any other royal’s, after Covid made the family strip back all tradition.
Just 30 guests were in attendance and the Queen did not take part in the procession from Windsor Castle.
Under Covid rules, all those entering the chapel wore a face mask and all members of the Royal Family were seated two metres apart.
Harry has been self-isolating at his previous marital home Frogmore Cottage after flying back to the UK.
Meghan, 39, made “every effort” to travel but didn’t receive medical clearance from her physician, a Senior Palace Official and Buckingham Palace spokesman said.
Since returning, Harry had reportedly made contact with Charles, William, Beatrice and Eugenie.
Harry was reportedly eager to “park any disputes” before the funeral for Philip, who passed away last Friday aged 99.
The funeral was the first time Harry has come face-to-face with his family since quitting as a senior royal last year and since his explosive chat with Oprah Winfrey.
In a show of solidarity, several members of the royal family have shared touching photos and tributes in memory of Philip this week.
Kate Middleton and Prince William released a touching photo of Philip and the Queen with seven of their great-grandchildren.
RELATED: Meghan and Archie have been cut out of royal photos
Harry also released a poignant message remembering his grandad as “master of the barbecue and legend of banter”.
He said Philip was “cheeky ‘til the end” and “authentically himself” throughout his more than 70 years of service to the nation.
And he thanked the dedicated royal for being a “rock” to his grandmother the Queen.
This story was originally published on The Sun and is republished with permission.
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