Prince Harry will return to UK after missing major event

It has been more than four months since Prince Harry flew out of the UK to create a new life in the US with wife Meghan and their one-year-old son Archie.

Harry was actually meant to be in the UK this week for an annual polo event with Prince William, instead he will be missing the major event that the royal family has been hosting for 15 years.

William and Harry compete in the The King Power Royal Charity Polo Day each year but due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Harry is staying put in Santa Barbara.

Despite his brother not being able to attend, Prince William is reportedly still keen to go ahead with the event, although restrictions will limit the number of guests in attendance.

The event, to raise money for the prince's charities Tusk Trust and Sentebale, would normally see 400 guests and celebrities in attendance.

Harry shared his decision to miss the event in a Zoom call to mark the Rugby League’s 125th birthday.

But the royal also gave an indication of when he expects to finally be setting foot back on British soil.

Speaking to staff and volunteers, the duke revealed in the video that he planned to return before October 2021.

“We've got a whole Rugby League World Cup coming next year,” he said.

“I definitely plan on coming back. I would have been back already had it not been for COVID.”

The Rugby World Cup is due to take place in England next year between 23 October and 27 November.

There are currently restrictions on people flying between the US and the UK, with an advisory against non-essential travel between the countries issued by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

As a British national, the duke would be permitted entry if he came home, but he would currently have to spend 14 days in self-isolation.

Additional reporting by Lauren Clark.

Click here to sign up to our daily newsletter to get all the latest news and hacks. Or if you have a story tip, email us at lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com.