The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip has breathed his last on 9th April 2021. The Buckingham Palace issued a statement expressing grief over Elizabeth II's husband. The Queen, too, expressed deep sorrow for the Prince's death. Prince Philip is one of the longest-serving royal consort in British history. Let us dive into the series of events associated with Prince Philip's death:
Reactions from dignitaries:
People around the world mourned the loss of Prince Philip and prayed for the Queen's strength in these challenging times.
- The Buckingham Palace said that the Queen announced her husband, Philip's death with deep sorrow.
- Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, bemoaned his death and said that the Prince had been an inspiration for countless young people. He added that the Prince earned the affection of generations of people across the United Kingdom and the world.
- The Royal Family mourned the death of Prince Philips.
- Charles flew from Gloucestershire to the palace from his home as soon as his father's death to console his grieving mother.
- The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, noted that Prince Philip put the interest of others ahead of his own. "He provided an outstanding example of Christian Service in doing so," adds the Archbishop.
Did Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan attend the funeral?
After the most controversial interview with Oprah Winfrey, people suspected Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, at the funeral. As Harry described the relationship between him, his brother, and his father as trapped, much of the focus shifted to their relationship besides his presence at the funeral.
The brother William and Harry walked the path to the coffin during a procession to the funeral service with Peter Philips, the grandson of Prince Philips, in between them. Even during the mourning ceremony, the brothers are reported to have sat apart. However, the brothers are said to have left the ceremony together. Prince Harry was captured engaging in a conversation with Prince William and his wife, Kate.
The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan, however, remained at home in California on the doctor's recommendation as she is in her last trimester.
Prince Philip's funeral:
The Buckingham Palace announced that the Prince's funeral would not be a state funeral in light of the corona pandemic and Duke's wishes. The Duke has been laid to rest at St. George's Castle in Windsor Castle.
The statement announced that the funeral would be a low-key affair and requested the public to stay away from the premises to avoid undesired consequences. All government buildings are reported to have flown the flags at half-mast in tribute to the Duke on a funeral day.
Reactions of the citizenry:
Even though the palace requested the citizenry not to visit the funeral, hundreds of people gathered outside of the palace to pay their last tributes to the Prince.
People from various walks of life assembled outside the gate of Buckingham Palace to lay flowers and offer their prayers for the late Prince. Many others quietly surrounded the premises and mourned the loss. Few others lauded the Prince for his dedication towards his duty
Who attended the funeral?
An otherwise would have been a great goodbye has been restricted to only a few family members. Only 30 members are reported to have been present at the funeral ceremony.
The funeral had been restricted to close aides due to the coronavirus restrictions in place. The Queen had to sit 6-feet apart from the other attendees due to the pandemic. Prince Andrew, Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, Prince William, and Prince's grandson Peter Philips were the funeral attendees.
Even the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, had to stay away from the funeral because of the Covid restrictions.
The Queen, who is known for her composed nature, has shed tears on her husband's loss. Queen Elizabeth II has never been seen shedding tears in public, but the loss of her beloved one left her emotionally weak. As snapped by the Royal Central, the Queen left the ceremony wiping her tears away. Her grief is totally understandable considering her 73-year-long relationship with her beloved spouse
