Politics
Absent Meghan Markle leaves handwritten note to Prince Philip as family gather to say goodbye
MEGHAN Markle left a handwritten note to The Duke of Edinburgh remembering him, it was confirmed today.
The Duchess of Sussex, 39, asked for it to be left alongside a wreath which included the flowers of Greece and sea holly in honour of the Royal Marines.
Read our Prince Philip funeral live blog for the latest updates
Meghan, pictured with Prince Philip[/caption]
Pregnant Meghan watched the funeral with Archie via a livestream in LA.
She was advised against making the 5,400 mile trip to Britain on medical grounds while Prince Harry arrived in the UK ahead of today’s event.
She instead made “private arrangements” to mark Duke of Edinburgh’s life.
Mourners who would have attended if Covid regulations limiting funeral numbers weren’t in place will be given special log-in details.
The online coverage had the same footage as BBC, ITV and other broadcasters, but without live commentary and punditry.
While in the States, Meghan and Harry’s pals Omid Scobie and Gayle King led coverage.
Philip’s funeral was different to any other royal’s after Covid made the family strip back all tradition.
Just 30 guests attended and the Queen did not take part in the procession from Windsor Castle.
Everyone entering the chapel wore a face mask and all members of the Royal Family sat two metres apart.
Harry has been self-isolating at his previous marital home Frogmore Cottage after flying back to the UK on Sunday.
Meghan, 39, made “every effort” to travel but didn’t receive medical clearance from her physician.
Harry reportedly made contact with Charles, William, Beatrice and Eugenie since returning.
The family gather at the Duke’s funeral[/caption]
The royal was said to have wanted to “park any disputes” before the funeral for Philip, who passed away last Friday aged 99.
He came face-to-face with his family for the first time today since quitting as a senior royal last year – and since his explosive chat with Oprah Winfrey.
Several members of the royal family have shared touching photos and tributes in memory of Philip this week.
Kate Middleton and Prince William released one of Philip and the Queen with seven of their great-grandchildren.
Harry also remembered his grandad as “master of the barbecue and legend of banter”.
He said Philip was “cheeky ’til the end” and “authentically himself” throughout his more than 70 years of service to the nation.
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And he thanked the dedicated royal for being a “rock” to his grandmother the Queen.
The Queen said she was touched by public’s support since Prince Philip’s death as she sends message ahead of funeral.
Plus Prince Harry and William won’t stand next to each other at Philip’s funeral with Peter Phillips to separate pair.
