- Funeral arrangements are being made for Prince Philip, who died on Friday, April 9, at the age of 99.
- The Queen, who is "heartbroken," called Prince Harry personally with the news, a royal insider told Us Weekly.
- "The queen wants Harry to be there," the royal source said. "Harry is hopeful that he’ll be able to return home to honor his grandfather, who he had a close bond with."
The Queen is "heartbroken" over the death of her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip.
The Duke of Edinburgh died on Friday, April 9, at the age of 99, the Palace confirmed. On Friday morning, before news of Prince Philip's passing was made public, Queen Elizabeth II personally delivered the news to her children, as well as to her grandsons Prince William and Prince Harry, who were "devastated" to learn Philip had died, a royal source told Us Weekly.
In February, Philip was admitted to the hospital as a "precautionary measure" for what turned out to be a 28-day stay. In March, the Duke of Edinburgh was released from King Edward VII's Hospital "following treatment for an infection and a successful procedure for a preexisting condition." Philip's recent health issues didn't prepare the royal family for his death, however, the insider said.
"Prince Philip had been in poor health recently, but the loss was still a surprise," the source explained, adding that "funeral arrangements are already being put into place" for the late royal.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Prince Philip will be honored in a small, private service in Windsor.
"The funeral will not be a State Funeral and will not be preceded by a Lying-in-State. His Royal Highness’s body will lie at rest in Windsor Castle ahead of the funeral in St George’s Chapel. This is in line with custom and with His Royal Highness’s wishes," the College of Arms said on Friday.
It remains to be seen if Prince Harry, who has been in California with his wife, Meghan Markle, and son Archie since March 2020, will be able to travel to the United Kingdom for the service.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
"The queen wants Harry to be there," the royal source explained. "Harry is hopeful that he’ll be able to return home to honor his grandfather, who he had a close bond with."
RELATED STORIES
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Anne Hathaway Details the "Gross" Audition Request She Once Endured
"Now we know better."
By Meghan De Maria Published
-
The Emotional Ending of 'Baby Reindeer,' Explained
Netflix's latest miniseries from Richard Gadd is based on the true story of the comedian and his stalker.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
The Must-Visit Hair Colorists in New York City
I trust these talented colorists implicitly.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
-
British Royal Lady Gabriella Windsor's Husband Has Died at 45
Lady Gabriella is King Charles' second cousin.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
George, Charlotte and Louis Will Be Laden With Gifts as Prince William Returns From New York
He was handed so many souvenirs for the little ones.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Makes Sure to "Treat George and Charlotte as Equals," Body Language Expert Says
I should hope so!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Isn't "A Workaholic Like His Father," Royal Expert Claims
He's got more of a work-life balance.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Princess Kate's New "Signature" Gesture? The Stealthy "Bum Pat" to Prince William
Love this for her.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince Harry Says His "Spirit Is Renewed" as He Attends the Warrior Games for Wounded Service Members in San Diego
The Games inspired his Invictus concept.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Not Expected to Invite Prince Harry to His Coronation, Friend Claims
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
We Finally Know Where the Earthshot Prize 2023 Will Take Place
Let's go!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published