Pain etched across his face, crestfallen Harry knew he was too late to say his last goodbyes.
After years of damaging disputes with his family, his grandmother remained his biggest ally.
Following the tragic death of his mother, she was his most steadfast and guiding force, refusing to bow to a nation’s grief and return to London until she felt they were ready.
Harry knew he could always rely on her support despite deciding to leave his royal role behind and set up a new life in America with his wife and children.
Even though he neglected to tell Her Majesty of his plan to announce his decision, before dropping a bombshell statement on social media angering his family and the institution, the Queen’s deep affection for him outweighed his descent.
Since he learned of the Queen’s passing, perhaps Harry has experienced more than a moment of regret as to where he finds himself now.
Even his brother William, so long his closest confidant and person he shared the deepest bond, can not bear to think about letting him back into the fold.
Such is the nervousness of what he may say or do next to rail against the family their truce last week ahead of the Queen’s funeral is a mere sticking plaster to wounds that run deep.
In some way, perhaps her passing may lead Harry to choose a different path and seek resolution and unity with his family in her name.
Harry's full tribute
“In celebrating the life of my grandmother, Her Majesty The Queen – and in mourning her loss – we are all reminded of the guiding compass she was to so many in her commitment to service and duty.
“She was globally admired and respected. Her unwavering grace and dignity remained true throughout her life and now her everlasting legacy.
“Let us echo the words she spoke after the passing of her husband, Prince Philip, words which can bring comfort to all of us now: ‘Life, of course, consists of final partings as well as first meetings.'
“Granny, while this final parting brings us great sadness, I am forever grateful for all of our first meetings – from my earliest childhood memories with you, to meeting you for the first time as my Commander-in-Chief, to the first moment you met my darling wife and hugged your beloved great-grandchildren.
“I cherish these times shared with you, and the many other special moments in between.
"You are already sorely missed, not just by us, but by the world over.
"And as it comes to first meetings, we now honour my father in his new role as King Charles III.
“Thank you for your commitment to service. Thank you for your sound advice. Thank you for your infectious smile.
“We, too, smile knowing that you and grandpa are reunited now, and both together in peace.”
