Prince Philip funeral updates – Harry’s ‘deeply personal note’ revealed as Charles privately grieves Duke in Wales
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THE DUKE of Sussex wrote Prince Charles a "deeply personal note" ahead of his homecoming for Prince Philip's funeral.
Prince Harry touched base with Charles before he returned to the UK for the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral, where he was reunited with his family for the first time since he left royal life last year.
Sources close to Harry said he has been "forced to write letters" after a "complete communication breakdown" with his father, it emerged yesterday.
The notes are thought to have "outlined his reasons for leaving" his position to live in California with mum-to-be Meg and their one-year-old son Archie, while promising to "respect the institution".
Meanwhile, Charles is said to have headed to a Welsh bolthole to privately grieve the loss of his father, the Duke of Edinburgh.
Reports on Sunday claimed future kings Charles and William were set to "hold a summit on the future" of the Monarchy and discuss plans of a slimmed-down monarchy over the next two generations.
It comes after the Queen paid an emotional farewell to her late husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, during his funeral on the weekend.
Due to Covid restrictions, the Queen was forced to sit alone inside Windsor Castle's St George's Chapel as she led the Royal Family in mourning at the funeral of her beloved husband, the Duke of Edinburgh.
And after Saturday's service, Kate Middleton acted as a peacemaker between Prince Harry and William as they shared a private chat while walking away from Philip's emotional funeral.
The tender reunion after more than a year apart, came after they stood apart to walk behind their grandfather's coffin, and were sat separately in the chapel.
Dressed in a face mask and in sombre black, it was the first time the Queen, grieving for her devoted companion of 73 years, has been officially seen in public since Philip died eight days ago.
Read our Prince Philip funeral live blog below for the latest updates...
MPS ‘TO BE BARRED’ FROM STATE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT TO PROTECT THE QUEEN
PATRIOTIC politicians must take Covid tests and may have to self-isolate to protect the Queen at next month’s State Opening of Parliament.
The Sun can reveal parliamentary bosses have been working on a battle plan to overhaul the 500 year-old tradition because of the pandemic.
Insiders said that, like Prince Philip’s funeral, the event will be “pared back” to comply with restrictions.
Most MPs and peers are expected to be barred from the ceremony on May 17 so strict social distancing rules can be stuck to.
Those who do get a much-coveted invite – including Boris Johnson and Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle – will need a negative lateral flow test to attend.
PRINCE ANDREW HOPES FOR ‘REHABILITATION’ AS HE’S SEEN IN PUBLIC DAYS AFTER PHILIP’S FUNERAL, SAYS ROYAL EXPERT
PRINCE Andrew hopes for "rehabilitation" as he's seen for the first time in public days after Philip's funeral, a royal expert has said.
Andrew, 61, was spotted horse riding in Windsor this afternoon after attending the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral on Saturday.
The Duke of York was sat closest to the Queen for the service and has reportedly made several trips to see his mother since, according to royal sources.
It comes after he paid tribute to his father from Windsor two days after Philip's death - the first time he had spoken publicly since his car crash Newsnight interview about his friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
And today's ride in Windsor has prompted speculation he is attempting to "rehabilitate" himself after stepping down from royal duties following the BBC disaster.
PRINCE PHILIP THOUGHT HARRY WAS A ‘GOOD MAN’
Prince Philip thought of Harry as a “good man” but didn’t believe he and Meghan Markle were right to leave the royal family, a pal claims.
The Duke of Edinburgh is said to have felt “sorry” over the fallout from the Megxit saga and regretted his grandson’s decision to step down.
But according to a friend of Philip, he ultimately accepted Harry’s decision, saying: “It’s his life”.
Gyles Brandeth told the : “The Duke of Edinburgh was not pleased, nor did he believe that Harry and Meghan were doing the right thing either for the country or for themselves.”
More on the story here
PRINCE CHARLES ‘DESPERATE FOR RECONCILIATION’ WITH HARRY BUT WILLIAM ‘IS MORE CAUTIOUS AND HESITANT’ AFTER MEGXIT RIFT
PRINCE Charles is reportedly "desperate for a reconciliation" with his son Harry - but William is feeling more cautious and hesitant after the brothers' Megxit rift.
Harry, 36, and William, 38, met face-to-face for the first time in a year at Prince Philip's funeral at Windsor on Saturday.
A source told that Charles is "desperate" to reconcile with Harry.
William, however, is reportedly feeling more cautious - hoping that he can restore his relationship with Harry over time.
The source reportedly said: "William needs to know he can trust Harry and that private conversations will stay private."
PRINCE CHARLES RETREATS TO WALES TO CONTEMPLATE THE FUTURE
It’s understood Camilla remains in London as the prince “wanted to reflect alone” and respond to the thousands of letters sent to him after his father’s death.
Charles is also likely to be grappling with his next steps after Philip called him to his sickbed in the weeks before he died.
Sun royal photographer Arthur Edwards yesterday told ITV’s Lorraine Kelly: “Can you imagine that conversation in the hospital three weeks before, when he was summoned by Prince Philip to come?
HARRY SAID FUNERAL ‘WAS AS PHILIP WANTED’, LIP READERS CLAIM
Lip readers claim Harry told William that their grandfather’s funeral service “was as he wanted”, according to The Express.
It’s claimed the Duke of Cambridge, 38, said in response, “yes, it was great, wasn’t it” .
The reunion could mark the end of the family feud which reportedly began when Harry and his wife Meghan decided to step down as working royals for a life in the US.
Harry reportedly made contact with Charles, William, Beatrice and Eugenie upon returning to the UK for the first time in over a year as he wanted to “park any disputes” before the funeral for Philip, who passed away last Friday aged 99.
Read the full story here.
QUEEN ‘DISAPPOINTED’ WITH MEGHAN MARKLE AND PRINCE HARRY OPRAH INTERVIEW
THE Queen was “disappointed” with Meghan and Harry’s Oprah interview, it’s claimed, as Charles heads to his Wales cottage to grieve alone after talks with his sons.
The Prince of Wales left after face-to-face meetings at Windsor with both William and Harry. The men have started taking steps towards mending their rift, which has seemingly deepened following the interview given by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
However, in an apparent sign of the divisions between the family, William and Charles decided to meet Harry together – so no one’s words could be “misconstrued” afterwards.
Shortly after the meeting, the Prince of Wales flew to Llwynywermod in Llandovery on his own,
Meanwhile, it’s been revealed that the Queen has “made it clear” she stands with William and Charles over the talks. And royal commentator Russell Myers told ITV’s Lorraine this morning: “Charles and William are still very hurt.”
ROYAL FAMILY NEWS ROUND-UP
- Harry ‘promised to “respect the institution” in letter to Charles’
- Harry’s relationship with Charles & William still ‘very, very raw’
- Queen ‘disappointed’ with Meghan and Harry Oprah interview
- Queen’s double tragedy as friend and racing advisor dies
- Charles, William and Kate hold clear-the-air talks with Harry
PRINCE CHARLES 'WANTED TO SEE HARRY' BUT WAS TOLD HIS SON'S SCHEDULE AFTER TRAVELLING BACK TO THE UK 'WOULDN'T ALLOW IT'
Prince Charles 'wanted to see Harry' but was told his son's schedule after travelling back to the UK 'wouldn't allow it'
QUEEN’S 95TH BIRTHDAY TOMORROW WILL BE ‘PRIVATE AND LOW-KEY’ AFTER PRINCE PHILIP’S DEATH
THE QUEEN’S 95th birthday will be a private and low-key event following the death of her “beloved” Prince Philip.
Members of the Royal Family have been supporting the Queen throughout the mourning period, with some expected to visit her at Windsor Castle on her special day tomorrow.
The Queen’s birthday on Wednesday falls within the two-week period of royal mourning, which is being observed until Friday.
No photograph to mark the milestone is expected to be released tomorrow.
The pandemic meant the Queen’s official birthday celebration known as Trooping the Colour, normally staged in June, has been cancelled for a second year running.
MEGHAN WATCHED FUNERAL AT HOME
MEGHAN Markle issued an official press release ahead of Prince Philip’s funeral to announce she would be watching the ceremony from home.
The Duchess of Sussex confirmed she was observing the service in the US in a statement delivered by her and Harry’s ‘Global Press Secretary’.
The heavily pregnant 39-year-old stayed in the US on doctor’s orders while Prince Harry made the 5,400-mile trip ahead of the event.
The statement touched on the reasons for her notable absence, reading: “I can confirm that The Duchess will be watching from home as she was hopeful to be able to attend, but was not cleared for travel by her physician at this stage in her pregnancy,”
The statement went on to describe Harry and his late grandfather’s relationship, and their “unique connection in their shared active service – including in combat – as part of the British Armed Forces.”
PRINCE ANDREW HOPES FOR 'REHABILITATION', SAYS ROYAL EXPERT
PRINCE Andrew hopes for "rehabilitation, a royal expert has claimed.
The Duke of York was pictured in public days after Philip's funeral where he sat closest to the Queen.
It comes after Princes Charles and William are "totally aligned" that no place for Andrew amid sex claims.
PHILIP'S DESIRE FOR A LOW KEY FUNERAL MIRRORS TREND AMONG BRITS
PRINCE Philip’s desire for a low-key funeral mirrors a trend where Brits have increasingly been opting for stripped-back send-offs in recent years.
The Duke of Edinburgh insisted on not having a state funeral as he wanted a low-fuss send-off.
And it follows a growing trend for people to snub extravagant traditional send-offs and opt for low-fuss and cheaper options such as direct cremations.
Firmhas seen a rise of 540 percent in direct cremations in the past four years and chief executive Howard Hodgson puts it down to the British character of not wanting a fuss.
He said: “We are continually reading how expensive funerals are - but they don’t have to be. This is because you really don’t have to have a traditional funeral with a hearse and limousines if you don’t wish to."
MPS ‘TO BE BARRED’ FROM STATE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT TO PROTECT THE QUEEN
PATRIOTIC politicians must take Covid tests and may have to self-isolate to protect the Queen at next month’s State Opening of Parliament.
The Sun can reveal parliamentary bosses have been working on a battle plan to overhaul the 500 year-old tradition because of the pandemic.
Insiders said that, like Prince Philip’s funeral, the event will be “pared back” to comply with restrictions.
Most MPs and peers are expected to be barred from the ceremony on May 17 so strict social distancing rules can be stuck to.
Those who do get a much-coveted invite – including Boris Johnson and Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle – will need a negative lateral flow test to attend.
WHEN WILL PRINCE HARRY FLY BACK TO THE US?
No firm date has as of yet been announced for the Duke of Sussex’s return to his sprawling US mansion in Santa Barbara, California.
Prince Charles was said to be keen to take advantage of his youngest son’s time at home for some father-son bonding.
Royal insiders told that he intends to spend some time with the Duke of Sussex this week.
They said: “There has been talk that Charles will walk around Windsor with Harry to look at some of the tributes and spend some time together.”
Prince Harry arrived on Sunday April 11, and could stay to celebrate the Queen’s 95th birthday on Wednesday (April 21).
DUKE WAS AN 'EXPERT' CARRIAGE DRIVER
Prince Philip was an expert carriage driver, even representing Great Britain in three European Championships and six World Championships.
He turned to the sport after giving up polo at the age of 50 in 1971 due to what he called his "dodgy" arthritic wrist.
In his role as President of FEI Global, Philip was responsible for the organisation of all equestrian sporting events at five Olympics Games.
QUEEN ‘DISAPPOINTED’ WITH MEGHAN MARKLE AND PRINCE HARRY OPRAH INTERVIEW
THE Queen was "disappointed" with Meghan and Harry's Oprah interview, it's claimed, as Charles heads to his Wales cottage to grieve alone after talks with his sons.
The Prince of Wales left after face-to-face meetings at Windsor with both William and Harry. The men have started taking steps towards mending their rift, which has seemingly deepened following the interview given by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
However, in an apparent sign of the divisions between the family, William and Charles decided to meet Harry together - so no one's words could be "misconstrued" afterwards.
Shortly after the meeting, the Prince of Wales flew to Llwynywermod in Llandovery on his own,
Meanwhile, it's been revealed that the Queen has "made it clear" she stands with William and Charles over the talks. And royal commentator Russell Myers told ITV's Lorraine this morning: "Charles and William are still very hurt."
ROYAL FAMILY NEWS ROUND-UP
- Harry ‘promised to “respect the institution” in letter to Charles’
- Harry’s relationship with Charles & William still ‘very, very raw’
- Queen ‘disappointed’ with Meghan and Harry Oprah interview
- Queen’s double tragedy as friend and racing advisor dies
- Charles, William and Kate hold clear-the-air talks with Harry
QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY (CONTINUED...)
Last summer, an event dubbed "mini Trooping" was staged at Windsor Castle, and Buckingham Palace has said options for an "alternative parade" were being considered at the Queen's Berkshire home.
Meanwhile, the Queen has suffered further heartbreak following the death of her close friend Sir Michael Oswald on the day of Prince Philip's funeral.
Her Majesty's trusted racing adviser passed away from a long illness on April 17 aged 86.
Sir Michael looked after the Queen and Queen Mother's racing interests for almost 30 years.
He was regularly pictured next to the royal at racing events over the years.
QUEEN’S 95TH BIRTHDAY TOMORROW WILL BE ‘PRIVATE AND LOW-KEY’ AFTER PRINCE PHILIP’S DEATH
THE QUEEN'S 95th birthday will be a private and low-key event following the death of her "beloved" Prince Philip.
Members of the Royal Family have been supporting the Queen throughout the mourning period, with some expected to visit her at Windsor Castle on her special day tomorrow.
The Queen's birthday on Wednesday falls within the two-week period of royal mourning, which is being observed until Friday.
No photograph to mark the milestone is expected to be released tomorrow.
The pandemic meant the Queen's official birthday celebration known as Trooping the Colour, normally staged in June, has been cancelled for a second year running.
ROYAL AUTHOR SAYS ‘IT WILL TAKE MORE THAN POST-FUNERAL SUMMIT’ TO HEAL RIFT
Royal author Penny Junor said: “There is a lot to sort out here in terms of the relationship and a lot of anger on both sides to get released and talked through. I would be surprised if they managed to do that in this short time.
“My feeling is there is a lot to unravel here. Harry’s said some terrible things and Meghan threw Kate under a bus – so that will be so hard for William to get over and he’s protective of Kate, quite rightly he’s protecting his family.
“Calling someone in the family a racist, what a thing to do, how can somebody prove they’re not?”
ANNE, EDWARD & SOPHIE ‘DIDN’T ACKNOWLEDGE’ HARRY AT FUNERAL
It is said that some members of Harry’s extended royal family “did not acknowledge him before or during Philip’s funeral service.”
It is thought that tensions are still running high in the aftermath of Harry and Meghan Markle’s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey.
A source told the : “There is a deep sense of protection towards the Queen and resentment towards Harry. There is little sympathy for him after what he and Meghan said on Oprah.
“They [the royals] are still very upset. They are putting on a united front for the Queen. They all think he has behaved appallingly.”
MORE PEOPLE WATCHED PHILIP’S FUNERAL THAN HARRY AND MEGS’S WEDDING
The poignant funeral in Windsor Castle attracted half a million more viewers than the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, which saw 13.1 million people tuning in, reports Tatler.
QUEEN ‘DROVE HERSELF TO BELOVED SPOT FOR QUIET CONTEMPLATION’ ON DAY AFTER PRINCE PHILIP’S FUNERAL
THE Queen drove herself to her beloved spot in Windsor for some quiet contemplation the day after Prince Philip’s funeral.
The monarch bid farewell to her husband of 73 years on Saturday and a picture of her sitting alone at St George’s Chapel in Windsor showed the brutal reality of the Covid-19 pandemic.
WATCH: PRINCE CHARLES 'WANTED TO SEE HARRY' BUT WAS TOLD HIS SON'S SCHEDULE AFTER TRAVELLING BACK TO THE UK 'WOULDN'T ALLOW IT'
Prince Charles 'wanted to see Harry' but was told his son's schedule after travelling back to the UK 'wouldn't allow it'