Why Did Prince Harry Sit Alone At Prince Philip’s Funeral?

Brothers Prince Harry and Prince William sat opposite each other at their grandfather's funeral.

Prince Harry Prince William Prince Philip funeral

by Rhiannon Evans |
Updated on

Prince William and Prince Harry's sat separately at their grandfather Prince Philip's funeral, opposite each other inside St George's Chapel in Windsor.

Much has been made of the fact the brothers didn't walk together behind their gradfather's coffin.

But the reason for Harry sitting separately at Prince Philip's funeral is owing to covid restrictions.

Attendees at the funeral were seated in their household bubbles at Prince Philip's funeral.

That meant that The Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William sat together, while Prince Harry sat alone.

Prince Harry's wife, Meghan Markle, stayed at their home in California with their son Archie because she is pregnant and was advised by doctors not to travel.

Reports are stating that Meghan sent a handwritten note along with a wreath from both her and Harry.

Princes William and Harry, who have reportedly had a difficult relationship in recent years, joined a group of just 30 family members for the funeral, which has been downsized due to coronavirus restrictions.

When Prince Philip passed away, speculation began as to whether or not the sad death would bring two of his granchildren - Prince William and Prince Harry - back together after reports of a rift.

When it was confirmed that Harry had indeed flown into the UK from his new home of LA, it seemed clear that the family were beginning to heal. And while this is set to continue, the optics of their separation continued.

The brothers did not walk side by side in the funeral procession set to take place at Windsor on Saturday. Instead, Peter Phillips, son of Princess Anne, will walk between them.

The news had already been made clear prior to the funeral.

A royal source told Grazia that this should not be seen as a major drama. 'Peter was a beloved grandson to the late Duke and remains a dedicated and loving grandson to her Majesty The Queen. His presence between the Duke of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex is a testament to the love that the family have for him and should not be seen as a sign of anything other than positive feelings.'

Gallery

The Best Pictures of Prince Philip With His Grandsons, Prince William and Prince Harry - Grazia

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December 2017

Prince William and Prince Harry, along with their wives Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, follow behind Prince Philip on Christmas Day in Sandringham.

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January 1988

Members of the Royal Family pose for a photocall at the Sandringham Museum with the 1939 Merryweather Fire Engine.

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April 2006

The Duke of Edinburgh enjoys a chat with his grandsons, Prince Harry and Prince William, at Sandhurst Military Academy.

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June 2014

Prince Philip jokes around with Prince Harry, the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William during the Trooping the Colour.

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July 2000

The Duke of Edinburgh, along with Prince William and Prince Harry, attend a service of thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral.

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July 2004

The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry attend the opening of fountain built in honour of Princess Diana in Hyde Park.

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September 1997

Prince Philip famously stepped in to support his grandsons as they walked behind the coffin of their mother, the late Princess Diana.

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November 2006

The princes smile as they stand behind their grandparents at the Van Cutsem/Grosvenor wedding at Chester Cathedral.

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June 2003

Prince Philip shares a smile with Prince William and Prince Harry during the Trooping of the Colour.

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June 1988

Prince Philip stands with the Queen, Prince Charles, Princess Diana, Prince William and Prince Harry on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Trooping the Colour.

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December 1984

Royal relatives and godparents pose at the Christening of Prince Harry.

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September 1997

The Queen and Prince Philip stop to look at floral tributes left in honour of Princess Diana outside Balmoral Castle after attending a private church service.

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December 1990

The Royal Family celebrates Christmas together at Sandringham.

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October 2015

Prince Philip attends the World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia with Prince Harry and Prince William.

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