Prince Harry swiftly returns to LA to be with Meghan Markle after unveiling of Diana statue

Prince Harry has made a quick departure from the UK, following the unveiling of Princess Diana's statue, to comfort wife Meghan Markle as she mourns the death of her uncle.

The Duke of Sussex made his second trip to England this year, commemorating his late mother's legacy alongside brother Prince William with a statue at Kensington Palace to mark what would have been her 60th birthday.

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The royal, however, returned home to Montecito in California briefly after the ceremony at the Palace's Sunken Garden, to privately mourn with his wife and two children Archie and Lilbet Mountbatten-Windsor.

Relationship expert Tina Wilson predicted the quick departure, telling the Daily Star the Duke of Sussex "will no doubt be facing some demons and will be made harder without Meghan by this side, with some sources saying it feels as though Meghan has left him to face the music alone yet again."

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Prince Harry previously returned to the UK this year to attend the funeral of his grandfather Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, who died weeks shy of his 100th birthday on April 9.

The Duke of Sussex attended an intimate statue unveiling ceremony with 13 other guests, including Princess Diana's siblings Charles Spencer, Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes.

With a reported "rift" between the two royal brothers, the pair came together for the poignant occasion.

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In a joint tribute, the brothers Wales said: "Today, on what would have been our mother's 60th birthday, we remember her love, strength and character – qualities that made her a force for good around the world, changing countless lives for the better.

"Every day, we wish she were still with us, and our hope is that this statue will be seen forever as a symbol of her life and her legacy."

The statue of Diana had been commissioned by the brothers in 2017, on the 20th anniversary of their mother's death, with sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley responsible for the bronze-cast artwork.

The statue featured the late Princess of Wales, surrounded by three children and depicts Diana in the later years of her life.