Prince Harry arrives back in the UK alone to join the Royal Family in mourning

Prince Harry has reportedly been spotted after returning to the UK following Prince Philip's death

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, the Patron of the Rugby Football League hosts the Rugby League World Cup 2021 draws at Buckingham Palace on January 16, 2020
(Image credit: Photo by Jeremy Selwyn - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Prince Harry has returned to the UK without his wife Meghan Markle to join the rest of the Royal Family in mourning his grandfather Prince Philip. 

Prince Harry has reportedly been spotted back in the UK as he returned from California to join the Royal Family in mourning his grandfather Prince Philip. The Duke of Edinburgh passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle last week, with his beloved wife of over seven decades, the Queen, by his side. Prince Philip’s funeral is due to take place on Saturday, April 17th at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor. 

Prince William and Duchess Catherine have honored him with their own touching photograph tribute. Whilst Prince Philip’s eldest son Prince Charles has spoken out about his “dear papa” in a heartfelt speech. Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan also shared a simple, but powerful, statement on their Archewell website

Now, according to The Sun, the Duke of Sussex has arrived back in the UK from Los Angeles alone and was spotted getting off a flight at Heathrow. This comes after it was previously suggested that Harry would be returning imminently in order to quarantine in time to attend the funeral on Saturday. 

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It’s thought that he was driven to Kensington Palace where he is reportedly set to isolate at Nottingham Cottage. Harry is no stranger to this beautiful royal home, as he once lived there with Meghan before they made Frogmore Cottage their UK base. 

With Harry’s cousin, Princess Eugenie, and her husband Jack Brooksbank believed to be living at Frogmore Cottage once more, this seems to make the empty Nottingham Cottage a perfect choice for the prince to self-isolate.

Guidelines state that people coming from abroad can leave isolation on ‘compassionate grounds’, explaining: “This includes attending a funeral of a household member, a close family member or a friend.”

This means Harry will be able to attend the funeral, though he will have to continue self-isolating afterward until his quarantine period is finished.

Why did Meghan Markle not return to the UK for Prince Philip’s funeral?

Whilst Prince Harry is reportedly set to walk shoulder to shoulder with Prince William at Prince Philip’s funeral, some royal fans might be wondering why Duchess Meghan has not returned with her husband. 

Though it’s been suggested Meghan wished to pay tribute to her grandfather-in-law, sources have claimed that she has been advised against traveling by her doctor due to the advanced stage of her pregnancy. Prince Harry and Meghan announced on Valentine's Day they are expecting baby number two

Harry’s return to the UK marks the first time he will reunite in person with his family since he and Meghan stepped back as senior members of the Royal Family last year.

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!