Prince Harry Spotted For First Time After Arriving Back In U.K. For Philip's Funeral

Apr 17, 2021

Prince Harry, who now lives in California, flew back to the United Kingdom on Sunday, April 11, just two days after his grandfather Prince Philip died, according to People. Harry was spotted for the first time in public since his arrival in his home country at Saturday’s funeral service. Harry, whose pregnant wife, Meghan Markle, had to stay in the U.S. due to health concerns, was seen walking alongside Peter Phillips and his brother, Prince William.

News broke on Thursday, April 15, that members of the royal family would wear suits on Saturday at Prince Philip’s St. George Chapel funeral. As Sky News reports, the decision, reportedly approved by Queen Elizabeth II herself, is a departure from the tradition wherein those who have served in the military and hold rank wear their uniforms at official state occasions, such as Philip’s funeral.

The announcement came after reports that Harry, who lost his military titles after officially relinquishing his royal duties, was thought to be one of the only family members not to be dressed in uniform. Due to his special status, Harry would have only been able to wear a suit with medals. Meanwhile, Prince Andrew and Prince Charles had been planning on wearing military uniforms in connection with their service in the Royal Navy before the change in wardrobe requirements.

The special accommodation comes at a time when tensions are running high in the royal family after Harry and Markle sat down with Oprah Winfrey for a controversial interview in March. During the television special, the couple openly criticized the royal family and its culture. The interview was scheduled in light of another controversy — Harry and Markle’s decision to move to California and step back as senior royals.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson refused to respond to the public’s “perceptions of drama” regarding Thursday’s decision, according to The Guardian. “The arrangements have been agreed, and they represent Her Majesty’s wishes,” a palace spokesperson is quoted as saying.

Buckingham Palace’s statement regarding the royal family’s decision to break from the tradition of wearing military dress at public occasions was similarly brief and to-the-point.

“Members of the royal family will be wearing morning coat with medals or day dress. That’s to say members of the royal family will not be in military uniform,” a spokesperson said, according to The Guardian.

The same spokesperson would not speak to the details or reasons behind the decision, having simply replied, “All arrangements have been signed off by Her Majesty.”

The Lord Chamberlain, Baron Parker, is in charge of the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral arrangements, according to Sky News. The ceremony on Saturday will take place at Windsor Castle’s St. George Chapel in the English county of Berkshire. Although around 800 people would have attended the ceremony under normal circumstances, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the royal family to plan a smaller service of only 30 people, excluding Prime Minister Boris Johnson and public processions.

While the public was not able to take part in a procession — and while fewer guests were permitted to attend the ceremony in person — major news outlets like Sky News televised the funeral.

According to Sky News’ information regarding funeral plans, the ceremony officially began at 2:40 p.m. (BST) at Windsor Castle’s state entrance.

The Dean of Windsor, the Lord Chamberlain and the first Battalion Grenadier Guards accompanied Philip’s coffin to the entrance, where it will be put onto a specially designed car. From there, the coffin was transported to the nearby chapel.

The funeral service itself began at 3 p.m. after a national minute of silence. The Dean of Windsor and Archbishop of Canterbury then received the coffin. It is there, in the chapel, where only a select group of royal family members are allowed to attend due to coronavirus regulations.

Following Philip’s funeral, the Duke of Edinburgh will be buried at the Royal Vault of St. George’s Chapel until the Queen’s death. Once the Queen has passed on, they will both be buried at King George VI memorial chapel, according to Sky News.

Philip, Elizabeth’s husband, died at age 99 on April 9, according to a Buckingham Palace announcement. Having been married to the queen for more than 70 years, he was the longest-serving consort of any British monarch.

In Britain, flags around the country hung at half-mast that day in mourning of the royal family’s loss.

“It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh,” Buckingham Palace wrote in an initial statement posted online that has since been removed.

“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. Further announcements will (be) made in due course. The Royal Family join(s) with people around the world in mourning his loss.”

What do you think of the funeral arrangements? How will you be remembering Prince Philip? Let us know — and don’t forget to pass this on.