Prince Harry To Attend Prince Phillip's Funeral, But Meghan Will Not

April 11, 2021

Prince Harry will travel to the United Kingdom to attend the April 17 funeral of his grandfather Prince Philip, who died at age 99 on Friday, marking Harry’s first return home since he and his wife, Meghan Markle, stepped away from the royal family last year.

Markle, who is pregnant, has been advised by her doctor to remain in California, according to the Associated Press.

The Duke of Edinburgh's funeral will be held in St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, a spokesman for Buckingham Palace said.

Due to coronavirus-related concerns, the service will be closed to the public.

"Although the ceremonial arrangements are reduced, 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," said a palace spokesman. Early last year, Harry and Markle dropped their HRH titles and in February, Buckingham Palace acknowledged that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would not return as working members of Britain's royal family. Last month, the pair recorded an explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey, in which Markle accused Buckingham Palace of "perpetuating falsehoods" about her and Harry. Shortly before the full interview aired, Buckingham Palace said it was "very concerned" by local press reports that Markle bullied staff during her time at Kensington Palace and planned to investigate the allegations. Markle denied the accusations and told Winfrey it is "really liberating" to finally make choices independently, without having to first "consult" the royal family.

Harry and Markle posted a tribute to Philip on their Archewell website Friday. "In loving memory of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh," it said. "Thank you for your service… You will be greatly missed." Prince Phillip was just weeks away from celebrating his 100th birthday when he died peacefully at home Friday morning.

Source: Forbes
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