Why Prince Harry Is Returning To California Shortly After Prince Philip's Funeral

Prince Harry has no plans to stay for long in his home country and will be flying back to the U.S. shortly after his grandfather Prince Philip's funeral, a report says.

The Duke of Sussex arrived in England Sunday for the funeral of his grandfather, who passed away Friday at age 99. This is the first time he is coming face-to-face with members of the royal family after he and wife Meghan Markle stepped back as senior royals and moved to California last year.

However, it seems he does not plan to spend more time with the royal family as Page Six reported that Prince Harry will immediately fly back to Los Angeles after the service, which will be held Saturday. The Duke of Sussex does not want to be separated from his pregnant wife and their son Archie for too long, according to the outlet.

It is unclear what visa Prince Harry is on and whether or not he has applied for his Green Card, per Page Six. An unnamed "top immigration attorney" told the outlet that based on the current guidelines, the duke will have had to apply for a National Interest Exception to travel home for the funeral. However, there are exceptions made for those who are married to U.S. citizens.

Prince Harry will also need to adhere to COVID-19 protocol when he returns to California which requires visitors to provide a negative test taken within three days of travel.

Earlier reports said Prince Harry is currently quarantining at Frogmore Cottage, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's home in the U.K. He has reunited with his cousin, Princess Eugenie, who has been staying in the residence with her husband Jack Brooksbank and their child. Prince Harry and Markle offered their house to the princess last year when they learned that she was pregnant.

It is unclear whether or not Prince Harry has already met with his father, Prince Charles, or brother, Prince William. But they are expected to be seen together at Prince Philip’s funeral, which will be held at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle on Saturday and will be televised.

Meanwhile, Markle was not able to join him on the trip because her doctors advised her against traveling amid her pregnancy, especially with her due date nearing.

"Meghan will be staying in California. She can’t go on doctor’s orders. She is too far along to fly and it’s recommended she rest in the final months," an unnamed source earlier told Us Weekly. "They’re taking this precaution seriously because she miscarried before. Doctors don’t think the stress of it all is worth her risking losing another baby."

Another report said Prince Harry is already missing his wife and son and has been FaceTiming them every day. The duke reportedly also speaks to Markle "a few times a day" because he is worried about leaving her, Us Weekly earlier reported.

But while Markle will not be present at the funeral, she made sure to reach out to Queen Elizabeth I following the loss of the monarch's husband of 73 years. "Meghan and Harry have already spoken to the Queen to express their sympathies," an unnamed source told Us Weekly Saturday.