Friends of Meghan say she stayed back because she ‘doesn’t want to be the center of attention’

Meghan Markle stayed back in Montecito, California, while Prince Harry flew to London because she ‘doesn’t want to be the center of attention’ at Prince Philip’s funeral, her friends claim. 

Despite the pregnant Duchess declining to return to London with Harry to join his family in mourning for the late Duke of Edinburgh, friends say she and Prince Philip ‘had a special bond and she adored him.’ 

In addition to not wanting the spotlight, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson previously confirmed that Meghan ‘has been advised by her physician not to travel’ because she is around six months pregnant.  

‘Meghan said her main concern right now is supporting Harry. She said she left it up to him as to whether or not she would attend the funeral,’ an insider with close ties to Meghan Markle tells DailyMail.com.

‘Meghan said it’s during these times when family should come together, put their differences aside and unite as one. She said this is what Prince Philip would want and that she’s willing to forgive and move forward,’ they said.   

Prince Harry flew to London without pregnant wife Meghan Markle to attend his grandfather’s funeral. Friends of Meghan tell DailyMail.com that she stayed in Montecito, California because she ‘doesn’t want to be the center of attention’

Meghan , who is about six months pregnant, instead stayed at the couple's lavish home in Montecito with Archie

Meghan , who is about six months pregnant, instead stayed at the couple’s lavish home in Montecito with Archie 

While it’s possible that Meghan could fly to the UK to join Harry before Saturday’s funeral, the insider added that her mother Doria is ‘adamant’ that she not travel while pregnant. 

‘Doria insisted that Meghan stay behind and support Harry from afar. Like Harry, Doria is very protective of Meghan and doesn’t want to see her putting her own health at risk. Stress is the last thing Meghan needs right now.’

While it's possible that Meghan could fly to the UK to join Harry later, the insider added that her mother Doria is 'adamant' that she not travel while pregnant

While it’s possible that Meghan could fly to the UK to join Harry later, the insider added that her mother Doria is ‘adamant’ that she not travel while pregnant

The Susssexes are expecting their second child – a girl – this summer.

‘Meghan said attending or not attending Prince Philip’s funeral isn’t going to change her relationship with the Queen. She said the Queen understands her absence and would want her to stay safe and healthy for the baby,’ the friend said. 

‘Meghan said this is the opportune time for Henry to mend his relationship with his brother and his dad. She doesn’t need to be there for that.’

Prince Harry flew into London’s Heathrow Airport without his wife this weekend on his first visit to Britain since quitting royal duties.

Harry’s return to the UK ahead of Saturday’s funeral is his first since March 2020 when he moved to Canada, and will be the first opportunity to reunite with Prince William and his father Prince Charles, who is said to be ‘looking forward’ to a reunion with his son. It came as:     

He is quarantining at the Christopher Wren-designed Nottingham Cottage, where Harry proposed to Meghan in 2017. It is just a few yards from the apartment where his brother William lives with his family. 

Harry can leave quarantine after five days rather than 10 if he provides a negative coronavirus test under the Government’s Test to Release scheme. However, he will be allowed to attend Philip’s funeral regardless, as official guidelines state those coming in from abroad can leave isolation ‘on compassionate grounds’.

Despite the pregnant Duchess skipping out on the ceremonies for the late Duke of Edinburgh, friends say she and Prince Philip 'had a special bond and she adored him.' The royals are seen being introduced to Archie in 2019

Despite the pregnant Duchess skipping out on the ceremonies for the late Duke of Edinburgh, friends say she and Prince Philip ‘had a special bond and she adored him.’ The royals are seen being introduced to Archie in 2019 

Prince Harry's tribute to his grandpa Prince Philip, who he called a 'legend of banter'

Prince Harry’s tribute to his grandpa Prince Philip, who he called a ‘legend of banter’

Harry gave a light-hearted tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh on Monday after his death at the age of 99 and declared: ‘He was my grandpa: master of the barbecue, legend of banter, and cheeky right ’til the end.’

Harry said: ‘He has been a rock for Her Majesty The Queen with unparalleled devotion, by her side for 73 years of marriage, and while I could go on, I know that right now he would say to all of us, beer in hand, ‘Oh do get on with it!’. 

In a statement issued through his foundation Archewell, Harry said: ‘My grandfather was a man of service, honour and great humour. He was authentically himself, with a seriously sharp wit, and could hold the attention of any room due to his charm-and also because you never knew what he might say next.

‘He will be remembered as the longest reigning consort to the Monarch, a decorated serviceman, a Prince and a Duke. But to me, like many of you who have lost a loved one or grandparent over the pain of this past year, he was my grandpa: master of the barbecue, legend of banter, and cheeky right ’til the end.’ 

Prince Harry and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh attend the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, 2015 in London. Harry is back in London ahead of his grandfather's funeral this Saturday

Prince Harry and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh attend the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, 2015 in London. Harry is back in London ahead of his grandfather’s funeral this Saturday

‘So, on that note, Grandpa, thank you for your service, your dedication to Granny, and for always being yourself. You will be sorely missed, but always remembered-by the nation and the world. Meghan, Archie, and I (as well as your future great-granddaughter) will always hold a special place for you in our hearts.

He finished with the Latin words ”Per Mare, Per Terram.” – ‘By Sea, By Land’ – the motto of the Royal Marines.   

The Royal Family has ordered a truce over the contents of the bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey to focus on honoring and mourning Philip.