Prince Philip has died at age 99. On April 9, Buckingham Palace confirmed his passing in a statement, saying, “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss. Further announcements will be made in due course.” Though nothing official has been announced yet, it’s likely that Prince Harry will return to the UK for the first time since his royal exit to attend his grandfather’s funeral.
According to People, the Duke of Sussex will probably quarantine for several days and be tested for COVID-19 before joining the rest of the royal family for Philip’s funeral at St. George’s Chapel. Meghan Markle is currently pregnant with the couple’s second child, so it’s unclear if she’ll be joining Harry or staying back in Santa Barbara, where they currently reside.
Harry and Philip have always had a close bond, even after Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior royals. During Harry’s February appearance on The Late Late Show With James Corden, the duke revealed that he and Meghan would often have Zoom calls with Philip and Queen Elizabeth II. Harry and Meghan also paid tribute to Philip on their Archewell website shortly after his passing was announced. “In loving memory of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh” the message read. “Thank you for your service . . . you will be greatly missed.”
Image Source: Getty / Pool