The Queen Is "Hopeful" That Prince Harry Will Return Home Following Prince Philip's Death, Royal Source Says
The Queen is "heartbroken" about Prince Philip's death and "hopeful" Prince Harry will make it back to the United Kingdom for the funeral.
- Funeral arrangements are being made for Prince Philip, who died on Friday, April 9, at the age of 99.
- The Queen, who is "heartbroken," called Prince Harry personally with the news, a royal insider told Us Weekly.
- "The queen wants Harry to be there," the royal source said. "Harry is hopeful that he’ll be able to return home to honor his grandfather, who he had a close bond with."
The Queen is "heartbroken" over the death of her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip.
The Duke of Edinburgh died on Friday, April 9, at the age of 99, the Palace confirmed. On Friday morning, before news of Prince Philip's passing was made public, Queen Elizabeth II personally delivered the news to her children, as well as to her grandsons Prince William and Prince Harry, who were "devastated" to learn Philip had died, a royal source told Us Weekly.
In February, Philip was admitted to the hospital as a "precautionary measure" for what turned out to be a 28-day stay. In March, the Duke of Edinburgh was released from King Edward VII's Hospital "following treatment for an infection and a successful procedure for a preexisting condition." Philip's recent health issues didn't prepare the royal family for his death, however, the insider said.
"Prince Philip had been in poor health recently, but the loss was still a surprise," the source explained, adding that "funeral arrangements are already being put into place" for the late royal.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Prince Philip will be honored in a small, private service in Windsor.
"The funeral will not be a State Funeral and will not be preceded by a Lying-in-State. His Royal Highness’s body will lie at rest in Windsor Castle ahead of the funeral in St George’s Chapel. This is in line with custom and with His Royal Highness’s wishes," the College of Arms said on Friday.
It remains to be seen if Prince Harry, who has been in California with his wife, Meghan Markle, and son Archie since March 2020, will be able to travel to the United Kingdom for the service.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
"The queen wants Harry to be there," the royal source explained. "Harry is hopeful that he’ll be able to return home to honor his grandfather, who he had a close bond with."
RELATED STORIES
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with over 10 years of professional experience covering entertainment of all genres, from new movie and TV releases to nostalgia, and celebrity news. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Youn Yuh-Jung Didn't Want to Make Another American Movie—Then Came 'The Wedding Banquet'
The Oscar winner shares why the LGBTQ+ rom-com hit close to home and the message she hopes it sends to ''conservative'' Koreans.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
The 17 On-Sale Beauty Finds I’m Stocking Up on Ahead of Summer
From glowy blushes to the all-time best sunscreen.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
My Incredibly Picky Mom Told Me Every Beauty Product She Wants for Mother's Day
Shopping made easy.
By Samantha Holender
-
Prince Harry Requested "Certain Protection" After Receiving a Shocking Threat Against His Life
Britain's Home Office released new details about a terrorist threat that targeted the Duke of Sussex.
By Kristin Contino
-
Royal Sources Give Update on "Distant" Relationship With Prince Harry and King Charles
Insiders close to the Duke of Sussex have revealed whether there is a chance at reconciliation in the near future.
By Kristin Contino
-
The Alleged "Olive Branch" Prince Harry Offered to Kate Middleton and Prince William During U.K. Visit
The Duke of Sussex's decision was reportedly an effort "to make peace."
By Amy Mackelden
-
The Special Gift Princess Lilibet Received From "Papa" Prince Harry in Meghan Markle's Latest Instagram Post
"Made with love."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Royal Expert Shares Why King Charles Had to Be "Very Careful" and "Couldn't" Meet Prince Harry During U.K. Visit
"It could actually bring down a court case."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Prince Harry’s Lawyer Claims His "Life Is at Stake" When It Comes to Court Ruling
The Duke of Sussex is waiting on a decision that will impact his family's future plans.
By Kristin Contino
-
Prince Harry’s Lawyer Says the Royal Felt "Forced to Step Back" From Royal Life Over Security Battle
The Duke of Sussex attended a court hearing in London on April 8.
By Kristin Contino
-
Princess Diana Lost Her Temper in a Relatable Mom Moment Caught on Camera: "Shush!"
The late princess got stern with one of her kids during a resurfaced interview.
By Kristin Contino