Prince Harry faces lonely 38th birthday today with Meghan Markle apart from Archie & Lilibet and unlikely to see William

PRINCE Harry faces a lonely 38th birthday today spent with just Meghan Markle, away from their children - and he's unlikely to see his brother or father.

But royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams imagines that is just what Harry needs as he reflects on yesterday's poignant procession, and processes his overwhelming grief.

Richard hoped such reflection following the death of Her Majesty would lead to a royal reconciliation.

The commentator said while Harry may see members of the royal family today, it is unlikely he will meet up with his father King Charles as he in Highgrove, and Prince William is traveling to Sandringham.

He also thinks the birthday wishes from his children Archie and Lilibet will come from afar, as it seems they are still in California.

Richard told the SunOnline: "Will he see members of the royal family? Or will he spend the day reflecting?

“A lot of things are happening behind the scenes that we don’t know.

“He’ll obviously be in video links with Archie and Lilibet. And obviously spend it with Meghan.

"If I had to estimate, he was close to the Queen, we know he was able to keep that relationship.

“Yesterday would have been exhausting, it would have been difficult in many ways.

“Memories and images all go through his mind, times when he was growing up, times he spent with The Queen. 

“I would have thought today will be spent processing grief.” 

Richard said yesterday would have seen memories flood back from when Harry was 12, walking behind his mother's coffin.

He said: "It's totally different to when he lost his mother.

"But, the link with walking behind Diana’s coffin. It was so cathartic for him.” 

It comes as...

• Prince William says the Queen’s procession brought back heartbreaking memories of walking behind mum Diana’s coffin
• Kate and Wills reveal how kids George, Charlotte and Louis are coping after their great-grandmother's tragic death
• Sophie Wessex shares an emotional hug with a well-wisher at a memorial for Her Majesty
• Mourning Brits queue for hours to visit the late monarch's coffin lying in state at Westminster Hall
• Prince Harry faces a lonely 38th birthday without children Archie and Lilibet
• Details of the Queen's state funeral are revealed - from where William and Harry will stand to how Meghan will travel

Richard thought Harry's quiet reflection could be the start of a turning point in the royal family following their “deep rift".

He said: “It’s not been an easy time since he stepped down.

“A lot of today will be processing the enormity of what has happened.

“Reconciliation is very important. They need it. The royal family need it.”

He added: “I think it’s very poignant - he always kept the line, so to speak, with the Queen.

“There’s no question, it is the beginning of a goodbye.

“He was talking back a while ago about processing grief and today he will be processing in his own way. It’s such a difficult time."