Prince Harry is looking forward to his reunion with the royal family and he's said to be relieved to be back in the United Kingdom after one year.
According to royal correspondent Katie Nicholl, Harry's first reunion with the royals will be emotional but he's happy to have the chance to see them again, despite upsetting circumstances. It is understood, however, the Duke of Sussex is still isolating following his trip and won't come face-to-face with Prince Charles, Prince William, or even Queen Elizabeth until Prince Philip's funeral on Saturday, April 17.
Prince Harry arrived in the U.K. via British Airways on April 11, or two days after the royal family confirmed the death of their patriarch, Prince Philip. Harry was seen wearing a face mask as he got out of the plane. He is currently staying at his home in Frogmore Cottage, where his cousin, Princess Eugenie, has been living with her husband, Jack Brooksbank, and son, August Philip.
Reports cited that Harry has spoken to his brother, Prince William, on the phone and they have agreed to be a united front at their grandfather's funeral. Only 30 members of the royal family are allowed to converge due to the government's COVID-19 guidelines on mass gathering. According to royal expert Robert Jobson, this scaled-down funeral is exactly what the Duke of Edinburgh would have wanted.
Harry, however, will not be able to wear his military uniform to honor Philip, who was a Navy veteran. According to reports, the Duke of Sussex cannot wear the ceremonial garb since he is no longer an official working royal. He will, however, be able to pin his military medals on his suit's lapel. The tradition of wearing military uniforms for royal family members with military ranks dates back to the 19th century.
Meanwhile, sources said that Harry does not intend to stay longer in the U.K. after the funeral. The Duke of Sussex has to return to the United States as soon as possible since his wife, Meghan Markle, is due to give birth in the early summer. She did not get clearance from her doctor to fly with Prince Harry as she is in the last trimester of her pregnancy.
Friends of Meghan said, however, that Queen Elizabeth understands why she cannot be at the funeral. While living in the U.S. Prince Harry has been in touch with his grandmother and grandfather via frequent Zoom calls.