Why Prince Harry’s return for Prince Philip’s funeral could heal rift

The Duke of Sussex’s appearance at his grandfather’s funeral next week could prove crucial to his future in the royal family.

Prince Philip’s funeral could be an opportunity for Prince Harry to repair the “deep damage” from his and Meghan Markle’s tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey, according to royal experts.

The Duke of Sussex – who is “united in grief” with his family – will return to the UK for the service following talks with Prince Charles.

It would mark the first time that Prince Harry has come face-to-face with his family since him and Meghan sat down for their explosive interview last month – and his first trip home since quitting royal life and moving to California.

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Prince Harry was close to his grandfather Philip, who died on Friday. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images.

Two royal experts believe that the Duke of Edinburgh’s upcoming funeral could offer Harry a chance to heal any rift the interview may have caused.

Author Penny Junor says she believes the family will “pull together” for the Queen’s sake.

“My hope is that if something good can come out of the Duke’s death it will be that it brings the family together,” she told the MailOnline.

“But clearly there is a lot of hurt there on all sides, and I imagine they will all be feeling apprehensive about seeing one another again.

“With luck, their desire to support the Queen and pull together for her sake, which I am sure is what the Duke would have wanted, will win the day.”

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams has said a “show of unity” is vital for repairing relations after the “very damaging” remarks made in the Oprah interview.

He told the outlet: “Harry will undoubtedly want to be there and this might start a process which helped to heal the current royal rift.

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Meghan is unable to attend the funeral as she is heavily pregnant. Picture: Adrian DENNIS / AFP.

“His grandfather would undoubtedly welcome it if the monarchy, the institution he spent his life supporting, was strengthened as a result of the start of a reconciliation which began after his death.”

The Duke of Sussex is reported to be making immediate plans to fly back to Britain.

Sources told the Daily Mirror that the Duke of Sussex spoke to several members of his family following Prince Philip’s death on Friday, including Prince Charles.

Another source told the newspaper that Harry spoke to his cousins Beatrice and Eugenie – and said he would return to Britain.

The insider told the Mirror: “He said he wants to be with everyone and was already making arrangements to come home.”

The highly-respected Press Association also reported it’s “likely Harry will be among the small number of mourners” at the private service.

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Royal experts say the appearance could help heal the rift in his family. Picture: Tolga AKMEN / AFP.

Meghan, 39, is currently pregnant and undoubtedly needing to take advice from doctors before embarking on the 12-hour flight from California.

The pair paid a poignant tribute to Harry’s grandfather on Friday afternoon, leaving a message on their Archewell website.

A source close to the family told DailyMail.com on Friday: “Harry will absolutely do his utmost to get back to the UK and be with his family.

“He will want nothing more than to be there for his family, and particularly his grandmother, during this awful time.

“Meghan is obviously pregnant so she will need to take advice from her doctors about whether it is safe for her to travel, but I think Harry will definitely go.”

This story first appeared on The Sun and has been republished with permission.