Prince Harry has reportedly arrived back in the UK ahead of his grandfather’s funeral.

Several British media outlets, including the royal-watching tabloids like The Sun, reported the Duke of Sussex arrived in the country on Sunday afternoon (local time).

Harry is said to have been spotted disembarking a British Airways flight from Los Angeles at London’s Heathrow Airport, about 1.15pm on Sunday.

There has been no official comment regarding Harry’s travel arrangements, or when he was due to arrive home. But a Buckingham Palace spokesman said over the weekend that the prince was planning to attend the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral in Windsor, on Saturday.

This is the first time Harry has returned to the UK since leaving for Canada with his wife Meghan Markle, as they stepped back as senior members of the royal family, last March. This return has the British press speculating on whether the estranged prince will patch things up with his family.

The couple have been in the United States throughout the pandemic, and last month gave a tell-all interview to Oprah Winfrey. The interview put the spotlight on Buckingham Palace, after Markle detailed how the palace refused to support her while she was struggling with mental health issues and suicidal thoughts. She also revealed racist remarks were made about her and the couple’s son, Archie.

Markle, who is pregnant with her second child, would not be travelling to the UK or attending Philip’s funeral.

While royal officials have not detailed how Harry would be able to attend the funeral amid the current Covid-19 restrictions, UK media outlets said Harry was thought to be allowed to avoid England’s coronavirus quarantine rules due to his status.

It was believed Harry went into isolation at Frogmore Cottage, where he previously lived with Markle, after getting off the plane, and would likely isolate for about five days.

The current restrictions mean visitors must either quarantine at home for 10 days or at a managed quarantine hotel. During the mandatory quarantine, two additional Covid-19 tests are required on days two and eight.

Harry could use the “test to release” system to end his quarantine early. It allows a person to take a private Covid-19 test on their fifth day to release them from self-isolation, if they return a negative test.

There is also guidance for mourners entering the country which allows people to leave self-isolation in “limited circumstances” on compassionate grounds which includes “attending a funeral of a household member, a close family member or a friend’.

The eyewitness quoted by The Sun said Harry was reportedly wearing a black face mask when he came off the flight, and was met by security off the plane before getting into a black Range Rover and being driven away.

On Monday afternoon (local time), both Prince Harry and Prince William released statements honouring their grandfather.

Harry said Philip 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.”

The world would remember him for his service to the monarchy, Harry said.

“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.”

Meanwhile, William, 36, and second in line to the throne, said his grandfather’s life was “defined by service — to his country and Commonwealth, to his wife and Queen, and to our family”.

“I feel lucky to have not just had his example to guide me, but his enduring presence well into my own adult life – both through good times and the hardest days,” said William, in a nod to the death of his mother, Princess Diana, who was killed in a car crash in 1997.

“I will miss my Grandpa, but I know he would want us to get on with the job,” he said.

Philip’s royal ceremonial funeral will take place April 17 at Windsor Castle. The service has been slimmed down due to the health risks associated with the Covid-19 pandemic, and it will be entirely closed to the public.

Britain is in the middle of eight days of national mourning to mark the prince’s death, which is particularly unfortunate timing, as after 100 days of national lockdown, the pubs began outdoor service on Monday.

Philip, also known as the Duke of Edinburgh, took part in planning his funeral and its focus on family will be in accordance with his wishes.

The 99-year-old Duke, who died Friday, also took part in designing the modified Land Rover that will carry his coffin. It will be flanked by pallbearers drawn from the Royal Marines.

“Although the ceremonial arrangements are reduced, the occasion will still celebrate and recognise the duke’s life and his more than 70 years of service to the Queen, the UK and the Commonwealth,” a palace spokesman said on Saturday (local time), while speaking on the condition of anonymity in line with policy.

The funeral will be confined entirely to Windsor Castle, and will include an eight-minute ceremonial procession through the castle grounds. The Queen will not join the procession.

The service, at St George’s chapel, will start at 3pm (local time) and will begin with a national one-minute silence.

While it will be closed to the public, the service and short procession will be televised.