Confirmed: Prince Harry will be attending Prince Philip’s funeral without Meghan

The late Prince Philip’s funeral service will be held on 17 April 2021 at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace confirmed on Saturday. The rumour mill has been buzzing about Meghan Markle’s attendance.

Prince Philip – who would have celebrated his 100th birthday in June – retired from public duty back in 2017. He made several public appearances over the years and was involved in a vehicle accident in 2019.

There will be no public access or public procession prior to his funeral. It’s now also been confirmed that Prince Harry will attend the service without Markle. Here’s why.

Prince Harry to attend funeral without Meghan Markle

Markle, however, won’t be in attendance as the former Duchess of Sussex was advised by her physician to refrain from travelling. Markle will remain at their California home with bay Archie.

The 39-year-old Markle is expecting the couple’s second child. Harry and Meghan on Friday paid tribute to the late Duke of Edinburgh, posting a message on their Archwell website, which read:

“Thank you for your service…You will be greatly missed”.

Prince Philip’s funeral arrangements

As reported by the Evening Standard, the number of mourners allowed will be capped at 30 due to COVID-19 restrictions. Members of the Royal family who attend will be expected to wear masks.

The late prince will reportedly be laid to rest in a modified Land Rover he helped design. Royal mourning will also continue to take place for two weeks after the service.

According to People, there has been “a steady stream of visitors, from Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex to Prince Charles”.

However, palace officials refuse to confirm if any of the visitors were allowed within close proximity to the Queen. Additional details, such as the guest list and eulogy, will be shared in due course.

The duke has been hospitalised several times over the past few years, despite a prolonged state of relatively good health. Prince Philip’s later years are marked by his health and energy.

Harry’s visit home in more than a year

According to an insider, Prince Harry said “he wants to be with everyone and was already making arrangements to come home”. This follows after a source told Daily Mail that Harry would “absolutely do his utmost” to attend.

“Meghan is obviously pregnant so she will need to take advice from her doctors about whether it is safe for her to travel, but I think Harry will definitely go”.

It will be the first time Harry returns to the United Kingdom in more than a year. The prince also hasn’t seen any of his family members since the explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey.

Now read: Prince Philip wanted to die ‘in his own bed’ and ‘on his own terms’