HARRY and William are unlikely to meet up ahead of their grandfather’s funeral – meaning they’ll come face-to-face for the first time in a year shortly before the service.
The Duke of Sussex is in strict quarantine at his Windsor home, Frogmore Cottage, after dashing back from LA in the hours after Prince Philip’s death.
* Read our live blog for the very latest news on Prince Philip’s death…
He must remain at the property for five full days of isolation, and provide a negative Covid test.
Meanwhile, William and Kate are with their children at their home in Norfolk for the Easter break.
It means the likelihood that the pair will have a chance to meet before the funeral is remote.
It comes as:
- The Queen will be accompanied by senior royals at all future engagements after the death of her husband
- Omod Scobie said William’s tribute to his grandfather wasn’t a dig at Harry
- The brothers yesterday paid two very different – but deeply moving – tributes to Philip
- Philip’s school reports reveal he was ‘naughty – but never nasty’
- The Queen’s support network after her husband’s death was revealed
There are hopes the brothers will have a chance to get past their differences before Harry returns to pregnant Meghan in America.
The Duchess was advised not to travel for the funeral, although it’s also been suggested that she stayed home as she “didn’t want to be the centre of attention”.
And she has reportedly encouraged her husband and his family to “put their differences aside”.
A pal said: “Meghan said her main concern right now is supporting Harry. She said she left it up to him as to whether or not she would attend the funeral.
“Meghan said it’s during these times when family should come together, put their differences aside and unite as one.
“She said this is what Prince Philip would want and that she’s willing to forgive and move forward.”
They added: “Meghan said this is the opportune time for Henry to mend his relationship with his brother and his dad.
“She doesn’t need to be there for that.”
Harry hasn’t seen his family face-to-face since he moved to the US with Meghan and the couple’s son Archie in March last year.
He and Meghan’s interview with Oprah aired on March 8 this year.
During the chat, the couple made a series of shocking allegations – most damagingly of all that an unnamed member of the Royal Family had made a racist comment about the colour of son Archie’s skin.
The Duchess also said she was prevented from seeking mental health support when she was in crisis.
The fall-out from the interview continues, weeks on.
It’s understood the Royal Family were left deeply upset by the allegations made – while the Duke of Edinburgh reportedly said it was “madness” and warned “no good would come of it”.
In the days after the interview aired in the UK, Prince William was forced into the unprecedented position of saying the royals “are very much not a racist family”.
He spoke out on an official visit to a school after the Queen released a carefully-worded statement saying she was “saddened” by the interview but “recollections may vary”.
Harry told Oprah he feels let down by his family – and is barely speaking to his brother, describing their relationship now as “space”.
He claimed his father Charles stopped taking his calls after Megxit and was financially cut off by the Royal Family last year.
He also discussed his relationship with William, saying he loved him “to bits” but he and the future king were “on different paths”.
For his part, William is said to be “very upset” with the interview.
But it’s understood the Royal Family are simply keen to see Harry after a year away, while the Duke is said to be looking forward to spending time with the Queen.
And Omid Scobie, who co-authored explosive biography Finding Freedom about Megxit, told Good Morning Britain: “I think if there’s anything that’s sort of beautiful about this week and in the days leading up to the funeral it’s about seeing a family unified in a way that we haven’t seen in so many years.”
BROTHERS’ MOVING TRIBUTES TO ‘LEGEND’ GRANDFATHER
Both the brothers paid tribute to Philip yesterday.
Harry said he will remember the Duke as the “master of the barbecue and legend of banter”.
“My grandfather was a man of service, honour and great humour,” he said.
“He was authentically himself, with a seriously sharp wit, and could hold the attention of any room due to his charm – and also because you never knew what he might say next.
“He will be remembered as the longest reigning consort to the Monarch, a decorated serviceman, a Prince and a Duke.
“But to me, like many of you who have lost a loved one or grandparent over the pain of this past year, he was my grandpa: master of the barbecue, legend of banter, and cheeky right ’til the end.”
Prince William remembered “extraordinary” Philip – and said his children will miss their “mischievous” great-grandfather.
And he and wife Kate have vowed to “get on with the job” and stand by the Queen in the years ahead.
