Prince Harry was reportedly told of Queen Elizabeth II’s death five minutes before the public announcement.
Harry was one of several members of the Royal Family who scrambled to Balmoral on Thursday September 8 amid fears over the late monarch’s health.
But, while other members of the family had already arrived at the Scottish estate, Harry was mid-air shortly before landing in Aberdeen when he received a call from King Charles III informing him of Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
By the time the Duke of Sussex had landed in Scotland, Buckingham Palace had officially announced the former monarch’s death.
The Duke of Sussex was pictured arriving at Balmoral following the death of Queen Elizabeth II
Andrew Milligan
A report in The Telegraph, citing a source, said: “Everybody was trying to get where they needed to be.
“That was the focus.
“And the King was adamant that the official statement must not be released until all members of the family had been informed.
“That was a father talking because he cares.”
It comes after it was claimed that King Charles found out about his mother's deteriorating health on the same day as her death.
Royal expert Jack Royston said how George Bush’s daughter, Jenna Bush Hager, who had plans to interview the Queen Consort at Dumfries House, heard “footsteps running in the corridor”.
Shortly after, Ms Hager was told that the King and Queen Consort had left on a helicopter.
Mr Royston said: “Charles and Camilla were in Dumfries House. Camilla was actually about to record an interview with Jenna Bush Hager, who said she heard footsteps running in the hallway.
“Charles took a call, everything was silent, and they were asked to be silent. Then the next thing she knew, Charles and Camilla were in a helicopter.
“And that was at 12.30, so that was around exactly the same time that we were told."
He told Newsweek: “So they didn't wait, they didn't give Charles an hour or two hours."
Members of the Royal Family paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II during the funeral of the former monarch at Westminster Abbey on Monday.
Before the service, Harry and Prince William put on a united front as they stood side by side in a procession of Queen Elizabeth II's coffin to the abbey, which also included the King and his siblings.
Prince Harry
James Manning