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Prince Philip has died at age 99, which means the British royal family has been changed forever. There has been a major shift in the royal family, but as the longest-serving royal consort in British history, the Duke of Edinburgh had been a pillar in the royal fold. He was the glue that held the family together, especially amid the distance between Prince Harry and Prince William.

Following Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex’s resignation as senior working royals, Prince Harry’s relationship with the royal family has been increasingly strained, especially with his older brother, Prince William.

Now, as they celebrate their grandfather’s life, will the royal brothers’ relationship be restored?

Prince Harry and Prince Philip smiling at each other as Prince William looks on.
Prince Harry, Prince Phillip and Prince William | Phil Walter/Getty Images)

Prince Philip was unaware of the intensity of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Oprah interview

Prince Philip served by Queen Elizabeth II’s side for over 70 years. Therefore he never understood Megxit, or his grandson’s desire for a new kind of life. However, Prince Harry said that he continued to speak to his grandparents on a regular basis, even video calling them from his new home in California.

Before his death on April 9, 2019, the Duke of Edinburgh was hospitalized for a pre-existing heart condition and an infection. He was in the hospital when Meghan and Prince Harry’s tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey aired.

Though Prince Philip was aware of the interview, he did not watch it, nor did he know many details. “The family are very keen that he’s not aware of the full extent of the interview,” royal expert Katie Nicholl told Australian outlet 9Honey via Express. “It’s impossible for him to completely avoid it… efforts were made to protect him from the full force of the fallout.”

Prince Harry will likely return to the U.K. for Prince Philip’s funeral

Following the tell-all interview where Prince Harry said that his family was trapped and accused an unnamed family member of racist remarks, the prince has not had productive conversations with his family. However, that all might change now that he is set to return to the UK.

According to Daily Mail, it is likely that the prince will return to the U.K. for his grandfather’s private funeral. However, it is unlikely that Meghan, who is heavily pregnant or the Sussex’s son Archie will accompany Prince Harry due to COVID-19 restriction.s

Having not seen his family in over a year, this might be a time to reconnect and come to some sort of understanding. “Further announcements will be made in due course,” the Palace communications team wrote on the Palace’s website. “The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”

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Prince Philip’s death could restore Prince Harry and Prince William’s relationship

Before Prince Philip’s death, Prince Harry and Prince William were set to reunite for the unveiling of a commissioned statue of their late mother, Princess Diana in July. Now, they have an opportunity to reconnect sooner.

Some royal experts are hoping Prince Philip’s death might shift the brothers’ perspective. According to The Sun, Prince Harry and Prince William’s cousin Zara Tindall and her husband, Mike Tindall, have been “playing peacemakers” between the brothers.

Perhaps a meeting face to face as they bid Prince Philip farewell will be enough to get a real conversation started.

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