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Meghan makes 'private arrangements' to honour Prince Philip

A heavily pregnant Meghan Markle is making "private arrangements" to remember Prince Philip after being unable to travel for the Duke's funeral.

The Duchess of Sussex was advised to stay in the US by doctors with husband Prince Harry landing in the UK late last week for the funeral on Saturday.

Meghan Markle dressed in black
A heavily pregnant Meghan Markle is making "private arrangements" to remember Prince Philip after being unable to travel for the Duke's funeral. Photo: Getty

Due to Covid restrictions, only 30 people will be allowed to attend the funeral with Buckingham Palace confirming those who are unable to attend will make "private arrangements" to remember Philip.

Meghan will be watching a special live stream that will be the same as what the BBC and other TV stations show, however, it will not feature the live commentary.

Harry has not been to the UK since he and Meghan left in March 2020 just as the pandemic and lockdowns began worldwide. It is his first opportunity to reunite with his brother, Prince William, and his father, Prince Charles, who is believed to be "looking forward" to the reunion.

Harry will be able to leave quarantine after five days rather than 10 if he provides a negative coronavirus test, however, he will be able to attend Philip's funeral regardless, as official guidelines state those coming from abroad can leave isolation "on compassionate grounds".

Prince Philip with Prince William and Prince Harry in military outfits
Prince Harry hasn't been in the UK since March last year, his grandfather's funeral will be his first public appearance with his brother Prince William and father Prince Charles after his shocking interview with Oprah Winfrey. Photo: Getty

Those who are in attendance will need to wear face masks inside the chapel, but a face mask and all members of the royal family will be seated two metres apart.

A Senior Palace Official and Buckingham Palace spokesman said Meghan made "every effort" to travel but wasn't given medical clearance.

Harry and William will not walk side-by-side in the procession on Saturday, instead, they will be separated by cousin Peter Phillips, Princess Anne’s son, as they walk behind the coffin during the eight-minute journey from Windsor Castle to nearby St George's Chapel.

The full procession will also include Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, Prince Andrew, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, The Earl of Snowdon, Philip’s personal protection officer, private secretary, two pages and two valets.

Prince Philip, Prince William, Charles Spencer, Prince Harry and Prince Charles at Princess Diana's funeral
Royal experts believe the procession will likely bring back "difficult memories" for Charles, William and Harry, who walked behind Princess Diana's coffin in 1997. Photo: Getty

Royal expert Penny Junor has revealed the procession will likely bring back "difficult memories" for Charles, William and Harry.

"This is likely to be a very emotional and reflective time for the entire family," she told the Daily Mail.

"I am sure that walking behind their grandfather's coffin will bring back difficult memories for William and Harry of losing their mother. It will probably bring back difficult memories for their father, too."

It comes after Queen Elizabeth ordered that no royals wear military uniform for the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral, instead suggesting all senior male royals wear suits and ties.

The move would save Prince Harry from potentially ending up as the only royal family member not in military attire after he lost his military titles when he stepped back from his royal duties.

It also saves the Queen from having to respond to Prince Andrew's demand to wear an Admiral uniform on the day, despite deferring the title.

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