PRINCE Harry hosted a lunch with old pals when he returned to the UK for Prince Philip’s funeral – but William wasn’t there, it’s been reported.
The Duke of Sussex jetted back to London for the first time post-Megxit for the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral in April.
– Read our Meghan and Harry live blog for the latest updates
And Harry – who has once again returned to the UK for a service to mark what would have been his mother’s 60th birthday – showed signs of “wanting to reconnect with his old life”.
A source told the Mail on Sunday: “After the wedding Harry cut everyone from the UK off.
“But now he’s at last showing signs of wanting to reconnect with his old life.
“His friends are really excited, they think that the old Harry is coming back out of his shell.
“It sounds like he’s starting to realise that he doesn’t have to abandon his old life to enjoy a new one in California with Meghan.
“The two worlds he now occupies are not mutually exclusive for his friends, though they may well be for his family.”
However, it was reported that his older brother William snubbed the April lunch.
Instead, it was claimed that Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank have been the only Royals that Harry has kept in close contact with since he and Meghan Markle quit the Firm.
And although the guest list for Harry’s get together has not been revealed, he has been close friends with Jack Mann, Charlie van Straubenzee and Mark Dyer.
Prince Harry is in the UK to attend a ceremony marking the life of his late beloved mum.
It comes as:
- Meghan & Harry ‘dumb’ & accused of ‘only caring about image’
- Meghan & Harry’s ‘lies’ about being cut off put 17 Oprah claims in doubt
- Kate and William told Prince George he’ll be king on his seventh birthday, it’s claimed
- Prince Harry got share of £4.45million from Charles after Megxit
The duke arrived ahead of the Thursday, July 1 unveiling of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales’ statue – commissioned to honour her memory.
Harry jetted to England on Friday and will now quarantine as the final preparations are made for the ceremony.
A spokeswoman for Harry confirmed the duke had arrived “safely” at his private residence Frogmore Cottage close to the Queen’s Windsor Castle home.
It will be the second time the duke has stood publicly with William amid speculation of a huge rift between the brothers after Harry quit the Royal Family.
Their troubled relationship is well documented, but their mother will be their focus.
A royal source said: “This is a small event and a very personal moment for the family.
“Plans have been scaled back due to the current Covid-19 restrictions and media arrangements reflect both the size and tone of the event.”
However, neither the Queen nor Prince Charles will attend the unveiling.
In an unfortunate clash of the diaries, Prince Charles will be up in Scotland.
And Her Majesty will visit the country for Royal Week between June 28 and July 1 – to celebrate the Scottish community, innovation and history.
While in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling, the monarch will visit businesses, charities and cultural institutions that highlight their pioneering work.
The Queen will stay at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Sovereign’s official residence in Scotland
The Queen has, however, extended an olive branch to the Sussexes by inviting them to her mammoth Platinum Jubilee celebrations in summer.
According to the Mail on Sunday, the Duke and Duchess plan to attend the Queen’s official birthday parade which will take place over four days next June.
But it is unclear whether Harry and Meghan will appear on the balcony with the rest of the Royal Family.
