Prince Philip 'Thought Extremely Fondly' Of Grandson Prince Harry: Report

Prince Philip adored his grandson Prince Harry despite the rumored tension between the royal family and the Duke of Sussex, a report says.

It's been reported that Prince Harry's relationship with the royal family has been strained following his royal departure last year and his and wife Meghan Markle's bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in March. However, an unnamed insider told Us Weekly that the Duke of Edinburgh, who passed away last week at 99, loved Prince Harry very much and had a true bond with his grandson.

"[Philip] and Harry had a very close relationship," the source told the outlet. "Whilst they may not have been able to communicate during the final year or so of his life, Philip thought extremely fondly of his grandson and vice versa."

Prince Harry immediately flew back to his home country after he learned about Prince Philip's passing, arriving in England Sunday for the first time in over a year, reports said. The Duke of Sussex is reportedly upset that he wasn't able to see Prince Philip before he died.

"Harry feels guilty for not being there to say goodbye to Prince Philip in person," another source told Us Weekly.

Royal expert Katie Nicholl earlier commented on how Prince Harry might be dealing with Prince Philip's passing, sharing that he was "upset" as he had been "incredibly close" to his grandfather. Both were soldiers and shared a love of the military, the expert noted.

However, she also said Prince Harry is looking forward to reuniting with his family.

"Right now, I’m told he is of course very upset, missing his grandfather, but also relieved to be here in the U.K. and happy to be here and looking forward to being reunited with his family," the royal commentator told Entertainment Tonight.

Last week, after Buckingham Palace broke the news of the late duke's death, Prince Harry and Markle paid tribute to Prince Philip by dedicating the homepage of their non-profit organization Archewell's website to the late royal.

"In loving memory of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh 1921-2021. Thank you for your service... You will be greatly missed," the couple wrote.

Prince Harry also paid tribute to him in a statement released Monday in which he remembered his grandfather as the "master of the barbecue, legend of banter and cheeky right ‘til the end.” He further praised his decades-long dedication to the monarchy and how he served as a “rock” for his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.

"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," Prince Harry added.

A ceremonial royal funeral for Prince Philip will be held at St. George's Chapel, in the grounds of Windsor Castle, on Saturday. The Duke of Edinburgh's body is now resting in the private chapel at Windsor Castle.