Prince Harry misses the Queen’s 95th birthday after returning to the US

Prince Harry has missed the Queen’s 95th birthday after flying back to California yesterday afternoon

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and attends a Commonwealth Day Youth Event at Canada House with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex on March 11, 2019 in London, England
(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
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Prince Harry has left the UK to return to California, dashing all hopes that he might stay for the Queen's 95th birthday. 

The Duke of Sussex took an American Airlines flight back to the US on Tuesday afternoon, to reunite with his pregnant wife Meghan Markle, after nine days apart. 

His black 4x4 vehicle, driven by his personal chauffeur, was spotted leaving LAX Airport shortly after his plane landed in Los Angeles at 1.30 pm. It was again seen at 4pm in Montecito, the affluent Santa Barbara neighborhood where the couple reside in their $14 million mansion. It was initially speculated that Prince Harry would extend his stay in the UK for the Queen's birthday after it was revealed he had booked an open flight ticket. 

Prince Harry's trip to London for Prince Philip's funeral marked his first visit back to the UK since his stateside emigration last year. The homecoming was heavily publicized, with many royal commentators and fans fixated on the current state of his relationship with Prince William and Prince Charles. 

WINDSOR, ENGLAND - APRIL 17: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge; Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Peter Phillips walk behind Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh's coffin, carried by a Land rover hearse, in a procession during the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle on April 17, 2021 in Windsor, United Kingdom. Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark was born 10 June 1921, in Greece. He served in the British Royal Navy and fought in WWII. He married the then Princess Elizabeth on 20 November 1947 and was created Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich by King VI. He served as Prince Consort to Queen Elizabeth II until his death on April 9 2021, months short of his 100th birthday. His funeral takes place today at Windsor Castle with only 30 guests invited due to Coronavirus pandemic restrictions. (Photo by Mark Large-WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Prince William and Prince Harry walked together in Prince Philip's funeral procession 

(Image credit: Mark Large-WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Tensions have reportedly been high in the family since Harry and Meghan's bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey last month, which detailed the shocking reasons behind the couple's withdrawal from royal duties. 

However, it seems the three men were able to maintain civility to one another throughout the solemn ceremony on Saturday. Prince William and Prince Harry were even photographed chatting to one another after the funeral service, in an encounter that lip readers claim to have been focused on Prince Philip. 

The two brothers also met with Prince Charles that same afternoon at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor. Joined by Kate Middleton, the senior royals sat down for a two-hour conversation to discuss their differences and move towards reconciliation. 

Emma Dooney
Emma Dooney
Lifestyle News Writer

Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.

Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.