PRINCE Harry could be forced to isolate away from pregnant Meghan Markle for 14 days when he returns to the US after Prince Philip’s funeral.
The Duke of Sussex returned to the UK yesterday and is staying at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor to quarantine for five days ahead of his grandad’s funeral on Saturday.
Read our live blog for the very latest news on Prince Philip’s death…
His wife Meghan is pregnant with their second child, so she remained in the US with their one-year-old son Archie after her doctor advised her not to make the long journey.
In the US, pregnant women are considered at “increased risk for severe illness” during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that people who have not received a vaccine should self-isolate at home for seven days, get a test and stay away from pregnant women for 14 days after returning to the US from abroad.
It is not clear whether Harry has already received his Covid jab, but there is a possibility he will have to stay away from his wife and son for almost a month – depending on the length of his stay in Britain.
This is Harry’s first visit to the UK since he and Meghan stepped down as senior members of the Royal Family and since their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey.
Today, Harry today paid tribute to his “witty” grandfather Philip and remembered the duke as the “master of the barbecue and legend of banter”.
Harry said his grandfather was “cheeky ’til the end”.
Prince Philip passed away at Windsor Castle on Friday aged 99 – sparking an outpouring of grief.
The Duke of Sussex said his grandfather had been “authentically himself” throughout his more than 70 years of service to the nation.
And he thanked the dedicated royal for being a “rock” to his grandmother the Queen – just minutes after his brother William also paid tribute.
Prince Harry 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.
“He has been a rock for Her Majesty The Queen with unparalleled devotion, by her side for 73 years of marriage, and while I could go on, I know that right now he woudl say to all of us, beer in hand, ‘Oh do get on with it!’
“So on that note, Grandpa, thank you for your service, your dedication to Granny, and for always being yourself.”
It comes as:
- Prince William hailed the “extraordinary” duke and shared a sweet photo of son George in an emotional tribute to Philip
- Harry signed off his tribute with a Royal Marines motto
- Meghan, Archie and his unborn daughter would ‘always hold a special place’ for Phil, Harry said
- Kate and Wills vowed to ‘get on with the job’ like the Duke of Edinburgh would have wanted
- Boris Johnson paid tribute to Prince Philip’s ‘unfailing dedication’
- The Queen’s support network after her husband’s death was revealed
- The Duke of Sussex is staying at Frogmore Cottage after flying in from the US overnight
Harry added: “You will be sorely missed, but always remembered – by the nation and the world.
“Meghan, Archie, and I (as well as your future great-granddaughter) will always hold a special place for you in our hearts”.
At the end of the statement, Harry quoted the motto of the Royal Navy – “Per Mare, Per Terram” – which means “By Sea, By Land”. Both Harry and Philip served in the Navy.
It comes shortly after Prince William hailed “extraordinary” Philip – saying his children will miss their “mischievous” great-grandfather.
The Duke of Cambridge also shared a sweet snap of son George with the Duke of Edinburgh as he thanked Philip for his “infectious sense of adventure”.
It is hoped Harry’s return will allow him to heal the rift with his family after he and Meghan Markle quit the Firm last year.
The Duke of Sussex was seen getting off a British Airways flight from Los Angeles that arrived at Heathrow at 1.15pm.
Tributes have flooded in to remember the Duke of Edinburgh since he passed away “peacefully” at Windsor Castle on Friday.
Prince Andrew, 61, yesterday said the Queen had been left with a “huge void” after his death as he remembered the Duke as the “grandfather of the nation”.
The prince said the 94-year-old monarch had described her husband’s passing as a “miracle”.
He said: “She described it as having left a huge void in her life, but we the family – the ones that are closer – are rallying round to make sure we’re there.”
And he told reporters he would always treasure his memories of his father, describing him as “so calm” and “always someone you can go to”.
Meanwhile Sophie Wessex, who was tearful as she said the Queen had been “amazing”, also looked emotional yesterday.
Remembering the Duke of Edinburgh, she said: “He always exchanged words with everybody because it didn’t matter what anybody was doing in and around the estate here (at Windsor) and everywhere else, they all meant a lot to him and he always took a very personal interest in everything that they were doing.
“So they all have got stories to tell and most of them are quite funny as well.”
Her husband Prince Edward, who attended the church with the small group of Royals, said: “It’s a bit of a shock.
“However much one tries to prepare oneself for something like this, it’s still dreadful shock, and we’re trying to come to terms with that.
“It’s very, very sad.”
