Prince Charles today paid tribute to his ‘dear Papa’ as he spoke for the first time following news of his father Prince Philip’s death yesterday morning.
In a pre-recorded video message, the Prince of Wales said his father had given ‘the most remarkable, devoted service’ to ‘The Queen, to my family and to the country’, as well as the Commonwealth.
The Duke of Edinburgh was, he said, a ‘very special person’ who would have been ‘deeply touched’ by the sorrow felt by millions of people in Britain and across the world at news of his passing.
He said he would miss his father ‘enormously’ and added that his family were ‘deeply grateful’ for the condolences offered, which he said would ‘sustain us’ at this ‘particularly sad time’.
Prince Charles finished his message by simply saying: ‘Thank you’.
His words followed emotional tributes paid by his brother Prince Edward and the younger man’s wife the Countess of Wessex earlier on Saturday.
Due to coronavirus restrictions, the Prince of Wales was the only member of the Royal Family who had been able to visit Prince Philip during his four-week stay in hospital, which ended last month.
Charles’s video message comes after he was earlier seen leaving Windsor Castle, where his mother the Queen remains following Prince Philip’s death yesterday morning.
A source close to Charles said he was ‘comforted’ by the fact he and his father had been in touch more regularly than ever in recent weeks and months – and that they ‘had said all the things that needed to be said’.
Friends were at pains to point out that the relationship between father and son was also warmer than it had ever been.
One said: ‘The idea that their relationship was strained, certainly in recent years, couldn’t have been further from the truth. And that’s an important thing to remember in all that is being written.
‘There was genuine love, affection and understanding there. Which is all anyone holds dear at the end.’
There was no immediate personal reaction from the wider Royal Family, such was their grief. But in a previously recorded tribute to his father, Philip’s youngest son Prince Edward told ITV: ‘My parents have been such a fantastic support to each other during all those years and all those events and all those tours and events overseas. To have someone that you confide in and smile about things that you perhaps could not in public.
‘To be able to share that is immensely important.’
As artillery in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Gibraltar join Royal Navy warships in firing 41 rounds in 41 minutes to pay tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh, it also emerged:
- Prince Philip spent his final days at Windsor, enjoying the fresh air and spring sunshine, before becoming gravely ill on Thursday night. Her Majesty was with him when he died on Friday morning;
- Royals are facing a dilemma over who to invite to the funeral due to Covid rules restricting numbers to 30;
- Prince Harry has spoken to his father the Prince of Wales and cousins Beatrice and Eugenie after Philip’s death and plans return to Britain – but pregnant Meghan Markle is expected to stay in California;
- Philip’s funeral could be Harry’s chance to repair ‘deep damage’ caused by Oprah interview, royal experts say;
- The Duke of Cambridge has withdrawn from this weekend’s Bafta awards ceremony as he mourns his grandfather;
- Stars of football, cricket and rugby wear black armbands and hold two-minute silences in memory of sports mad Duke of Edinburgh;
Prince Charles today paid tribute to his ‘dear Papa’ as he spoke for the first time following news of his father Prince Philip’s death yesterday morning
Speaking from his Gloucestershire home Highgrove, Prince Charles said in his message: ‘I particularly wanted to say that my father, for I suppose the last 70 years, has given the most remarkable, devoted service to The Queen, to my family and to the country, but also to the whole of the Commonwealth.
‘As you can imagine, my family and I miss my father enormously. He was a much loved and appreciated figure and apart from anything else, I can imagine, he would be so deeply touched by the number of other people here and elsewhere around the world and the Commonwealth, who also I think, share our loss and our sorrow.
‘My dear Papa was a very special person who I think above all else would have been amazed by the reaction and the touching things that have been said about him and from that point of view we are, my family, deeply grateful for all that.
‘It will sustain us in this particular loss and at this particularly sad time. Thank you.’
Charles travelled to Windsor Castle to comfort the Queen in the hours after Philip died peacefully in his sleep.
During Philip’s last – and longest – hospital stay, Charles had paid a visit to see him at King Edward VII’s Hospital in London in February.
Charles – the Queen and Philip’s eldest son – was not always thought to have had the easiest of relationships with his father.
Philip himself recognised that they were different in their outlook on life, once having said: ‘He’s a romantic and I’m a pragmatist. That means we see things differently.
‘And because I don’t see things as a romantic would, I’m unfeeling.’
Charles had followed in his father’s footsteps by attending Cheam school in Berkshire and then Gordonstoun in Scotland.
But whereas Philip flourished amid Gordonstoun’s outdoors-focused regime, Charles hated it and was bullied by the other boys.
But Charles’s biographer, Jonathan Dimbleby, also said Charles recalled much happiness in his childhood and believed his father had tried his best.
He remembered how Philip had patiently taught him to make models, and how he had read Longfellow’s Hiawatha to him.
In a BBC tribute programme on Friday evening, all four of Philip’s children paid tribute to him as someone who had encouraged and supported them.
His words came after a tearful Countess of Wessex today paid tribute to the ‘amazing’ Queen as the monarch began her life without Prince Philip, her ‘strength and stay’ throughout their 73-year marriage and 68-year reign.
Sophie, 56, and her husband Prince Edward, 57, left Windsor Castle with their windows down as they showed their appreciation to mourners who had gathered to lay flowers after Philip’s death yesterday aged 99.
The scenes have been repeated at other royal residences including Buckingham Palace, where well-wishers – some dabbing their eyes – waited patiently to lay flowers – which were then removed by officials enforcing government directives to stay at home.
The Wessexes and Prince Andrew have been supporting their mother the Queen, 94, at Windsor today as she grieves for her ‘rock’.
Sky News correspondent Rhiannon Mills spoke to Sophie as she left Windsor, and reported the royal ‘had tears in her eyes’ as she said through her car window ‘the Queen has been amazing’ when asked how Her Majesty was coping.
The bouquets, flowers, cards, Union Flags and balloons left by mourners are being moved away by staff almost as soon as they are left – but royal aides insist they will all be saved and looked at by the Royal Family inside the grounds of Windsor and Buckingham Palace.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s coffin is in Her Majesty’s private chapel of worship at their Berkshire home before being moved to the nearby Albert Memorial Chapel later today, where he will rest during seven days of national mourning ahead of his hugely scaled-back funeral next Saturday.
The Queen’s youngest child Prince Edward was the first to arrive to support his mother again today, having made the short trip from his Surrey home.
Prince Andrew, who lives in Windsor Castle’s grounds, was also seen arriving after 10am. Prince Charles stayed with the Queen until late last night.
Palace security have even put up signs urging people not to congregate, but waves of mourners are still arriving to pay their respects to Her Majesty’s devoted husband, who dedicated his life to public service and supporting her.
Charles’s video message comes after he was earlier seen leaving Windsor Castle, where his mother the Queen remains following Prince Philip’s death yesterday morning
A source close to Charles said he was ‘comforted’ by the fact he and his father had been in touch more regularly than ever in recent weeks and months – and that they ‘had said all the things that needed to be said’
A young Prince Charles seen with his father Prince Philip and mother the Queen, along with his younger sister Princess Anne, in 1951
Their first child, Charles, was born at Buckingham Palace in November 1948. Anne was born at Clarence House in August 1950. Ten years later, Andrew was born at Buckingham Palace in February 1960, as was Edward in March 1964. This picture was taken in 1968 at Windsor Castle
The then Princess Elizabeth and the Duke with their two young children, Princess Anne and Prince Charles, outside Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire on September 19, 1952
Queen Elizabeth II with Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Princess Anne at Balmoral in September 1952
Prince Philip and Prince Charles share a joke at a Guards Polo Club tea party in 1999
The Queen, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and Princess Anne at Balmoral in August 1972
The infant Prince Charles is pictured in the lap of his mother, the then Princess Elizabeth, with his father Prince Philip in 1948
Charles is seen above in his beaming father’s arms aged just six months old, in April 1949, as his mother the then Princess Elizabeth smiles widely
Well-wishers, all respecting social distancing and wearing masks, laid their tributes and briefly stood to pay their respects, with some wiping away tears or quietly singing hymns before returning home.
Philip is expected to be laid to rest in the Royal Vault during his private family funeral at St George’s Chapel next Saturday, stripped back due to Britain’s ongoing lockdown, with only 30 relatives able to attend.
Britons are being warned to stay at home and watch on TV to avoid spreading coronavirus.
His grandson Prince Harry is expected to return to the UK and be among the small number of mourners at the funeral, but it is unlikely his pregnant wife Meghan will accompany him, weeks after the couple accused the Royal Family of racism in their bombshell Oprah interview while Philip lay in hospital.
The Queen is understood to have been at his bedside when he slipped away yesterday morning after becoming gravely ill late on Thursday, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Gun salutes marking the death of the Duke of Edinburgh are to take place across the UK, in Gibraltar and at sea at Midday. There will also be cannons firing across the Commonwealth, including in Australia, where a salute rang out in capital Canberra overnight.
Saluting batteries will fire 41 rounds at one round every minute in cities including London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, as well as Gibraltar and from Royal Navy warships, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.
Gun salutes have been fired to mark significant national events since as early as at least the 18th century.
They were used to mark the deaths of Queen Victoria in 1901 and Winston Churchill in 1965.
The public is being encouraged to observe the gun salutes, which will be broadcast online and on television, from home.
Windsor resident Craig Truter and his children were among those who left tributes to the Duke of Edinburgh at Cambridge Gate.
His sons Ranger, 6, and Bale, 4, laid hand-made paper crowns with the initials HRHPP (His Royal Highness Prince Philip).
The Queen’s youngest child Prince Edward was the first to arrive to support his mother again today, having made the short trip from his Surrey home.
Prince Andrew, who lives in Windsor Castle’s grounds, was also seen arriving after 10am. Prince Charles stayed with the Queen until late last night.
Palace security have even put up signs urging people not to congregate, but waves of mourners are still arriving to pay their respects to Her Majesty’s devoted husband, who dedicated his life to public service and supporting her.
Well-wishers, all respecting social distancing and wearing masks, laid their tributes and briefly stood to pay their respects, with some wiping away tears or quietly singing hymns before returning home.
Philip is expected to be laid to rest in the Royal Vault during his private family funeral at St George’s Chapel next Saturday, stripped back due to Britain’s ongoing lockdown, with only 30 relatives able to attend.
Britons are being warned to stay at home and watch on TV to avoid spreading coronavirus.
His grandson Prince Harry is expected to return to the UK and be among the small number of mourners at the funeral, but it is unlikely his pregnant wife Meghan will accompany him, weeks after the couple accused the Royal Family of racism in their bombshell Oprah interview while Philip lay in hospital.
Details about Prince Philip’s ‘peaceful’ death have emerged, with his wife of 73-years understood to have been at his bedside when he slipped away yesterday morning after becoming gravely ill late on Thursday, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Gun salutes marking the death of the Duke of Edinburgh are to take place across the UK, in Gibraltar and at sea at Midday. There will also be cannons firing across the Commonwealth, including in Australia, where a salute rang out in capital Canberra overnight.
Saluting batteries will fire 41 rounds at one round every minute in cities including London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, as well as Gibraltar and from Royal Navy warships, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.
Gun salutes have been fired to mark significant national events since as early as at least the 18th century.
They were used to mark the deaths of Queen Victoria in 1901 and Winston Churchill in 1965.
The public is being encouraged to observe the gun salutes, which will be broadcast online and on television, from home.
Windsor resident Craig Truter and his children were among those who left tributes to the Duke of Edinburgh at Cambridge Gate.
His sons Ranger, 6, and Bale, 4, laid hand-made paper crowns with the initials HRHPP (His Royal Highness Prince Philip).
A couple embrace each other as they watch mourners laying tributes, which were quickly removed by officials
Crowds of onlookers watch the scene at Buckingham Palace today during the first full day of mourning for the prince
Well-wishers watch as members of the Household Cavalry mark the passing of Prince Philip outside Buckingham Palace today
A security official stands alongside a sign requesting the public not to leave floral and other tributes to Britain’s Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh outside Buckingham Palace, after his death yesterday
A truck delivers scaffolding to the Henry VIII Gate at Windsor Castle, where Philip’s funeral is expected to take place next Saturday
The Duke has repeatedly voiced his wish for a small-scale ceremony rather than a state occasion, although this would be unlikely anyway due to Covid restrictions
But despite the warnings, still the mourners come, with these children sent by their parents to lay a bouquet together at the palace
Soldiers from a mounted regiment salute as they pass Windsor Castle, where Philip will rest until his funeral in a week’s time
Mourners came to Buckingham Palace through the night and as dawn broke to lay flowers for Prince Philip, who died yesterday aged 99
Elaine and Maya Jamieson from Berkshire, leave flowers outside Windsor Castle this morning, where the Duke’s coffin is resting in his wife’s private chapel
Flowers continue to be laid at the gates at the top of Windsor’s famous Long Walk despite warnings to stay away due to Covid restrictions
A mother and her two daughters lay flowers outside Windsor Castle on Saturday afternoon following the news that Philip had died the day before
Buckingham Palace has staff who are moving tributes into the palace as they arrive, and are sweeping away squashed or dead blooms this morning
People outside Buckingham Palace today holding a painting of the Duke of Edinburgh as others who have come to pay their respects walk in the background
Mr Truter said his children had made the crowns ‘as a sign of respect’ for the duke, and they saw members of the royal family ‘quite frequently’.
He added that his family had been ‘lucky enough’ to have been among the members of the public invited inside the castle grounds during the wedding of Princess Eugenie in 2018.
At the Queen’s central London home, guards in red could be seen marching in the courtyard as a slow but steady stream of people arrived to lay bouquets at the front gates.
Nikoletta Peto visited the palace shortly after 9am.
Ms Peto, 39, who is originally from Hungary said: ‘I have lived here for 15 years and I felt like it’s important to give a flower to someone who is so respected and who has done so much for this country.
‘So definitely I wanted to come, even though because of Covid I was shielding for over a year.’
She added: ‘I felt like I have to do it because I think it is how it should be.’
Rebecca Connoll laid some flowers with her five-year-old son Harvey.
She said: ‘My husband’s in the Army, he’s in the Household Cavalry, so he does a lot of big events with the royal family.
‘So we just thought we’d come and pay our respects.’
She added: ‘We watched it on the news yesterday and we watch a lot of the royal things, we come down and watch the parades, he knows quite a lot about the royal family.’
The Queen is thought to have been at the bedside of her ‘beloved husband’ of 73 years Prince Philip when he passed away ‘peacefully’ at Windsor Castle yesterday.
The Duke of Edinburgh, the nation’s longest-serving consort, died in his private apartment just two months and a day before what would have been his 100th birthday.
Though palace officials declined to ‘go into any specifics’ about the nature of his passing, it is understood his frail condition worsened overnight on Thursday and that insiders had warned he was ‘gravely ill’. However, any talk of whisking the elderly duke to hospital was reportedly quickly dismissed by the Queen.
Philip, who recently spent a month being treated for an infection and a pre-existing heart condition, is thought to have died suddenly and unexpectedly, but peacefully in the company of his dear ‘Lilibet’. The Telegraph reported that the duke had wanted to pass away ‘in his own bed’ and ‘on his own terms’.
One well-placed source told the paper: ‘He spent most of the four weeks he was in hospital trying to get home.
‘They operated on his heart in a bid to give him a little longer, maybe with the 100th birthday in mind. But he didn’t really care about that.’
They added: ‘There is no way he would have wanted to die in hospital.’
Crowds of people arrive at Buckingham Palace in London on Saturday afternoon to pay their respects to Prince Philip
People holding flowers and cards for Philip queue outside Buckingham Palace to leave their tributes to the duke
A mourner in a beret and mask arrived after 7am to pay her respects despite advice not to travel due to Covid restrictions
A woman gestures as she sings next to tributes left in honor of Britain’s Prince Philip in front of Buckingham Palace
A worker clears away the tributes, which are being taken inside the royal palaces where Philip’s family and aides will look at them
Windsor Castle staff stood silently at the entrance today as Britain mourns Prince Philip for a second day
Carriagemen pause and pay their respects to Prince Philip, a man who was an accomplished horseman, polo player and carriage racer
The flag at half mast at Buckingham Palace at dawn today, as Britain continues a period of eight days of mourning
The Earl and Countess of Wessex arrive at Windsor Castle to join the Queen today. Prince Edward was the first to arrive
Prince Andrew arrives at Windsor Castle to visit his mother the Queen, as she mourns her husband Prince Philip today
The Duke of York drove himself (pictured) to support Her Majesty minutes, arriving shortly after his brother Edward
The Mail understands that Philip’s coffin was last night at the castle, where the Queen is in residence, most probably resting in her private chapel of worship. But over the weekend it is likely be moved to the Albert Memorial Chapel, which was built by Henry VII as a royal mausoleum. Philip’s coffin is likely to lie there with little ceremony – resting on two simple wooden platforms called catafalques
In a short but poignant statement at noon, Buckingham Palace said: ‘It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
‘His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. Further announcements will be made in due course. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.’
As tributes poured in from around the world, the Palace’s focus was on the royal family’s aching personal bereavement.
‘They are a family in mourning,’ one official said last night.
Prince Charles, the heir to the throne, was seen leaving Windsor Castle hours after the news of his father’s passing. The Prince of Wales, 72, drove from his Highgrove Estate in Gloucestershire to the 94-year-old monarch’s Berkshire residence ahead of the public announcement of the duke’s passing.
Sitting in the front passenger seat of a silver Tesla, the prince looked on as he pulled away. It is not known whether Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, had accompanied him on what is their 16th wedding anniversary.
A source close to Charles said he was ‘comforted’ by the fact he and his father had been in touch more regularly than ever in recent weeks and months – and that they ‘had said all the things that needed to be said’.
The source said: ‘It is some small comfort today that the prince was in much more regular contact with his father in recent weeks and months than he otherwise might have been.
‘He was the only family member who was able to visit him in hospital and he was at Windsor as recently as the week before last. They spoke a great deal.’
Friends were at pains to point out that the relationship between father and son was also warmer than it had ever been. One said: ‘The idea that their relationship was strained, certainly in recent years, couldn’t have been further from the truth. And that’s an important thing to remember in all that is being written.
‘There was genuine love, affection and understanding there. Which is all anyone holds dear at the end.’
There was no immediate personal reaction from the wider Royal Family, such was their grief. But in a previously recorded tribute to his father, Philip’s youngest son Prince Edward told ITV: ‘My parents have been such a fantastic support to each other during all those years and all those events and all those tours and events overseas. To have someone that you confide in and smile about things that you perhaps could not in public.
‘To be able to share that is immensely important.’
Recalling his humour ‘which always came through and the twinkle in his eye’, Edward added that he would remember his father ‘for what he has done in his public life for all the organisations he has supported and influenced’. Philip’s daughter Princess Anne told the broadcaster: ‘Without him life will be completely different.’
Members of the Honourable Artillery Company fire during a 41-round gun salute for Prince Philip from the wharf at the Tower of London held at Midday today
The Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery also fired to mark the passing of Philip, at their historic Parade Ground, Woolwich Barracks. The same guns were also fired for Philip’s wedding to the Queen in 1947 and at her Coronation six years later in 1953
The Death Gun Salute was fired by the 104th Regiment Royal Artillery to mark the passing of Britain’s Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at Cardiff Castle
Members of the 105th Regiment Royal Artillery fired their 41-round gun salute from Edinburgh Castle, high above the Scottish capital
On the dockside in Gibratar, the Royal Gibraltar Regiment fired their Death Gun Salute to celebrate the life of the Duke of Edinburgh
Harry and Meghan posted a message on their website thanking the duke for his service. ‘You will be greatly missed,’ it read. The prince was last night said to be ‘likely’ to fly from his home in the US, although it is unclear whether his heavily pregnant wife will join him.
At around 10.40am there was a flurry of police activity at the castle before Prince Andrew, who lives closest at Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate, arrived at a back entrance to the Queen’s private apartments five minutes later. Then at 11.15am another family member, believed to be Prince Edward, arrived to console their devastated mother.
News of Philip’s death, after being confirmed by the on-call royal doctor and disseminated to members of the Royal Family, was relayed to the Prime Minister and relevant arms of government – via a simple message: ‘Forth Bridge is down’, the official codeword for the Duke of Edinburgh’s death. Around the country, Union flags began to be flown at half-mast and will remain so until after the funeral next Saturday.
Crowds of mourners left flowers in tribute to Prince Philip outside royal residences last night despite pleas by officials to stay away because of covid restrictions.
Thousands of members of the public arrived at Windsor Castle – where the Duke of Edinburgh passed away – over the course of the afternoon.
Hundreds stood in quiet reflection to look at floral tributes lined up outside the gates of Buckingham Palace.
At Sandringham, where the Duke spent much of his time after retiring from public life in 2017 until the onset of the pandemic, flowers, cards and poems were also left outside the main entrance to Sandringham House.
Mourners were seen in tears outside both the Palace and the castle – where bouquets began piling up in early afternoon despite the Cabinet Office and Royal Household requests not to lay flowers in view of the pandemic restrictions on non-essential travel and large gatherings.
With England gradually easing itself out of a national lockdown amid the Covid-19 crisis, officials are desperate to avoid crowds from forming on the scale of those seen when Diana, Princess of Wales died in 1997. Then, tens of thousands of bouquets were left at both Buckingham Palace and her former home, Kensington Palace.
A royal official stationed outside Windsor Castle urged mourners not to come with flowers, but said the floral tributes which had already been left would be moved inside the castle grounds, where the Royal Family could look at them.
Thousands of tributes were posted online with heartfelt words for Her Majesty – who was described by one well-wisher as having ‘lost the brightest jewel in her crown’.
Flags were flown at half-mast across the country while thousands flocked to Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle to leave flowers and mourn.
But Palace officials and No10 encouraged the public not to congregate in large groups amid coronavirus restrictions, as mounted police asked people to obey socially distancing measures.
Gun salutes marking the death of the Duke of Edinburgh are to take place across the UK, in Gibraltar and at sea.
Saluting batteries will fire 41 rounds at one round every minute from midday in cities including London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, as well as Gibraltar and from Royal Navy warships, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.
Gun salutes have been fired to mark significant national events since as early as at least the 18th century.
They were used to mark the deaths of Queen Victoria in 1901 and Winston Churchill in 1965.
Families gather at the gates of Windsor Castle at the top of the Long Lane, with one woman bowing her head in tribute
A child leaves flowers at Windsor with a drift of spring daffodils behind her this morning
Are these the 30 people who will attend Prince Philip’s funeral? Royals face dilemma over who to invite because of Covid rules with Boris Johnson likely to join senior members of family for service – as equipment is seen arriving in Windsor
The Royal Family faces a dilemma over who to invite to Prince Philip’s funeral due to the coronavirus restrictions in place across England.
The Queen will only be able to invite 30 people to the ceremony – plus the clergy – at St George’s Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle.
Originally there were going to be 800 mourners from across the Duke of Edinburgh’s military units, charities and associates from across the Commonwealth.
The final list, which is expected in the next few days, will likely be made up of senior members of the Royal Family as well as the Prime Minister.
Prince Philip said he wanted a funeral with minimal fuss, but the passing of Britain’s longest serving consort was always going to be a big affair – and lorries were today seen hauling scaffolding into Windsor Castle for the preparations.
His hope for a ‘royal ceremonial funeral’ – similar to the Queen Mother’s – rather than a full state funeral, had already been granted.
But the pandemic and restrictions means this is being hastily redrawn, with Her Majesty said to have been in talks with officials last night.
They are tweaking Operation Forth Bridge and are having to drastically scale back the number of people invited to the ceremony, expected next Saturday.
The names of those invited have not been released, but it is expected to be mostly made up of senior members of the Royal Family.
The first names on the list will likely be Her Majesty, Prince Charles and Prince William – those directly in line to the throne.
Prince Philip’s other children are also expected to be there: Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.
Next could be the partners of the senior royals, who are present at most official events.
These are Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, the Princess Royal’s husband Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence and Sophie, Countess of Wessex.
Prince Harry is expected to jet across from his new home in California, before quarantining ahead of the burial.
His wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, who is heavily pregnant with their second children, is not believed to be coming and neither is their son Archie.
The Queen is pictured with the Duke of Edinburgh in 2007 walking at Broadlands, Hampshire
A lorry carrying scaffolding and stage building equipment arrives at the Henry VIII gate at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, on Saturday afternoon as preparations are made for Philip’s funeral
A lorry carrying scaffolding for the funeral preparations arrives at Windsor Castle on Saturday
Rosa Wlodarczyk adjusts a photograph of the Duke of Edinburgh displayed alongside the nave at Westminster Abbey in London, which has been dressed in black to mark his death
The Queen will only be able to invite 30 people to the ceremony at St George’s Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle. Pictured: Philip with William and Harry at the rugby world cup final in 2015
Prince Charles was seen leaving Windsor Castle yesterday evening, hours after the news of his father’s death broke. The Prince of Wales drove from his Highgrove Estate in Gloucestershire to the monarch’s Berkshire residence Friday morning
The rest of those to be invited is less certain but the remaining could heavily feature more distant members of the Royal Family.
Princess Anne’s children Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall could be there, with Zara’s husband and former England rugby star Mike also present.
Princess Beatrice could be joined by Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, who she married last year.
Her younger sister Princess Eugenie may well also be invited, along with her husband of three years Jack Brooksbank.
Sophie, Countess of Wessex’s children may also make the cut – Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn.
It is also likely the Queen will invite her cousins and their spouses: Princess Alexandra, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Kent and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, who have offered loyal support and service over the years.
And the Queen is close to the children of her late sister Princess Margaret – her nephew the Earl of Snowdon and niece Lady Sarah Chatto – and is likely to want them to be present as a source of comfort.
The Queen and Philip’s 10 great-grandchildren – Savannah and Isla Phillips; Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis of Cambridge; Mia, Lena and Lucas Tindall; Archie Mountbatten-Windsor; and August Brooksbank – are likely to be considered too young to attend the televised proceedings as all are aged 10 and under.
If Meghan does not attend, and Mr Tindall, Mr Brooksbank and Mr Mapelli Mozzi do, then the guest list would total 29, leaving just one place left.
This could be filled by a trusted member of the Queen or Prince Philip’s household, or perhaps Boris Johnson if the Queen decides to widen the invitation outside royal circles, or First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Tony Radakin in honour of Philip’s military service.
Kate, Duchess of Cambridge (pictured with William in 2019), the Princess Royal’s husband Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence and Sophie, Countess of Wessex could be at the funeral
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, will likely be at the funeral. Yesterday was the anniversary of her wedding to Prince Charles (pictured, June 2020)
The Queen’s son Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex (pictured in November on Armistice Day) will likely be at the ceremony
The Queen’s second son, sported a blue jacket, slacks, a helmet and gloves as he enjoyed a ride near his home last week. He will likely be at his father’s funeral
Prince Harry (pictured at the Commonwealth Day Service in London last March) is jetting off from California to attend the funeral, but Meghan Markle is not coming
Under the previous plans for his funeral – known in the royal household as ‘Forth Bridge’ – his body would have been embalmed immediately and taken to the Albert Memorial Chapel by St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
The Mail understands Philip’s coffin was last night at the castle, where the Queen is in residence, most probably resting in her private chapel of worship.
But over the weekend it is likely to be moved to the Albert Memorial Chapel, which was built by Henry VII as a royal mausoleum. Philip’s coffin is likely to lie there with little ceremony – resting on two simple wooden platforms called catafalques.
Under pre-Covid plans, it would have been brought to London today by road and taken to St James’s Palace to reside temporarily in the intimate Chapel Royal.
The College of Arms said yesterday there will be no lying-in-state and Philip’s coffin would lie at rest at Windsor Castle ahead of his funeral in St George’ Chapel, most likely next Saturday.
It is likely to have been draped with his personal standard – which bears references to his Danish and Greek royal heritage, his Mountbatten roots and Edinburgh title – and a floral wreath from his family.
A vigil by his children – Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward – is likely to take place at Windsor.
On the day of his funeral, Philip’s coffin is expected to be carried by bearers from the Queen’s Company, First Battalion Grenadier Guards.
The duke will be placed on a gun carriage belonging to the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, drawn by a Royal Navy gun crew. The carriage – a personal request by Philip – is the one that carried Queen Victoria at her funeral in 1901.
A planned cortege through Windsor is now unlikely to take place. But inside Windsor Castle, events are likely to be largely the same, but with fewer mourners.
The coffin will be met by a guard of honour from The Rifles and a band in Horseshoe Cloister, surrounded by houses built in the 15th century for the chapel’s ‘singing men’.
Twelve singers known as lay clerks still live there, and they will perform during the service, with a bell tolling throughout.
On the grass south of the West Gate will be Royal Navy pipers.
A bearer party of Royal Marines will carry the coffin into St George’s Chapel via the West Steps, lined by the Household Cavalry, where the Dean of Windsor and the Archbishop of Canterbury will wait.
The coffin will be taken into the Quire – the resting place of most of the monarchs buried at the chapel. Inside or under the Quire are Edward VII, Henry VI, Edward IV, George III, George IV and William IV, Henry VIII and Charles I.
Philip’s catafalque will be placed on a black marble slab, which is the entrance to the Royal Vault.
The hymns requested by the prince are believed to include his favourite seafarer’s anthem, For Those In Peril On The Sea. At the end of the service a Psalm and the ‘ashes to ashes’ text will be read as a piper plays a lament.
The coffin will be lowered into the Royal Vault and will remain there until the Queen dies and they are buried together in the memorial chapel.
Zara Tindall and her husband and former England rugby player Mike could be at the funeral. They are pictured at Cheltenham last year
Princess Beatrice (spotted enjoying a wintery afternoon stroll with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in London in January) could be there with her husband
Her younger sister Princess Eugenie may well also be invited, along with her husband of three years Jack Brooksbank (pictured with their baby)
Lady Louise Windsor (pictured), 17, paid a touching tribute to her grandfather Prince Philip today as she was spotted out carriage driving in the grounds of Windsor Castle on the morning of his death. She may attend his funeral
Her brother James, Viscount Severn is pictured in Hunter wellies in 2019. He could be invited to the funeral of the late Prince
The day after the funeral, flags will be brought back to full mast, although the Court will remain in mourning for three more weeks.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement: ‘During the coronavirus pandemic, and in light of current government advice and social distancing guidelines, modified funeral and ceremonial arrangements for His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh are being considered by Her Majesty The Queen. Details will be confirmed in due course.’
The Queen has entered an eight-day period of mourning following the death of her husband today aged 99 – as arrangements for his funeral, codenamed Operation Forth Bridge, have begun.
Royal fans have been told not to attend any part of the events that make up the funeral due to Covid restrictions.
They have also been asked not to lay flowers that could encourage crowds which may spread the coronavirus.
The number of people wanting to pay tribute to the Duke could present difficulties for police forces due to England’s ban on gatherings of more than six people or two households.
Buckingham Palace instead invited well-wishers to sign a book of condolences – but only online, to avoid crowds and queues.
Police officers on horses stopped crowds forming in front of a sign announcing his death on the railings of the palace today.
During the eight days of mourning The Queen will not carry out any duties even in private under Covid restrictions, laws will not be given the Royal Assent and affairs of state will also be paused.
Following these eight days, a further period of official Royal Mourning is expected to continue for 30 days.
Scores of people will be involved in the days ahead, from military guards and the clergy, to staff at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, who will be making sure the household continues to run smoothly during this traumatic time for the Queen.
The Queen and her children and grandchildren will enter a period of mourning for their patriarch, which could last several weeks.
Official engagements, most of which are presently online, can continue during this time, although most are postponed or cancelled, but it depends on the wishes of the monarch.
In non-pandemic times, social engagements would usually be cancelled, except those for charitable causes.
There are various types of mourning, but Royal – also known as Court – Mourning, includes the royal family, royal households and the Queen’s representatives in the UK and abroad wearing black and also using black-edged writing paper.
Prince Edward, Duke of Kent (centre, is welcomed in front of the New City Hall by Michael Kretschmer, left, Prime Minister of Saxony, and Dirk Hilbert, right, Lord Mayor of the State Capital Dresden, Germany, last year). He may be at the wedding
The Earl of Hopetoun, Prince Michael of Kent, The Countess of Hopetoun and Princess Michael of Kent attend Royal Ascot Day Four on June 18, 2010 in Ascot. Prince Michael may make the list of those invited
Admiral Tony Radakin, head of the Royal Navy, may also go. He is pictured on the right last month
Boris Johnson spoke outside Downing Street to remember Philip, the love and support he had shown for the Queen and the impact he had on people all over the world. He will be at the funeral
Most of Britain’s monarchs are buried in Westminster Abbey and St George’s Chapel, but both Queen Victoria and Prince Albert are in a mausoleum in Frogmore Gardens.
After her husband’s death, Victoria lived largely in isolation at Balmoral until she died on January 22, 1901. Her 40 years of mourning severely damaged the monarchy.
Following the Duke’s death, Union flags will fly at half-mast around Britain, but Philip will not lie in state and there will be no state funeral.
The Lord Chamberlain, the most senior officer of the royal household, will be in charge of arrangements.
The Queen is also expected to broadcast a televised message to the nation at some stage over the next few days, although this is dependent on how she feels.
In normal times, there would be early morning rehearsals over the next week for a gun carriage and procession through the streets of London, and another in Windsor.
The day before his funeral, the coffin would be moved across the road from Chapel Royal to the Queen’s Chapel to allow an easier transfer to the gun carriage.
The funeral itself would be held in Windsor, while a military procession would take place from St James’s Palace, down Marlborough Road and up The Mall.
The gun carriage holding the coffin would then pass around the Queen Victoria Memorial, Buckingham Palace and up Constitution Hill to Wellington Arch.
Members of the military would lead the procession, with the royal family and household walking behind – but the Queen would be expected to go straight to Windsor.
At Wellington Arch, there would be a royal salute before a ceremonial transfer sees with the coffin moved to a Land Rover hearse or car and taken to Windsor.
On arrival in Windsor, there would be a slow procession driven up the Long Walk with drummers, military and members of the royal family following behind.
It would move up the Long Walk, through Cambridge Gate and then onto Park Street, High Street, past the Guildhall and Castle Hill and in through the Henry VIII gate.
The arrangements are codenamed Forth Bridge, after the Scottish landmark and Unesco World Heritage Site.
The railway bridge, crossing the Forth Estuary in Scotland, which opened in 1890, remains one of the greatest cantilever trussed bridges
Plans for the aftermath of the duke’s death have been in place for many years, and were updated and reviewed regularly by Buckingham Palace staff in consultation with the Queen and Philip.
Complicated by the coronavirus pandemic, Forth Bridge has been adjusted to take account of the crisis.
Buckingham Palace announced the death of Prince Philip at just after midday yesterday – and described the Queen’s ‘deep sorrow’
Philip has served Britain since his youth and the world is mourning his death at Windsor Castle yesterday, with the Royal Family releasing this photo and tribute shortly after his death
In a post on their Archwell website yesterday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said: ‘Thank you for your services… you will be greatly missed’
The sun breaks through the spring clouds above Buckingham Palace yesterday afternoon as people stood to remember the Duke of Edinburgh, who passed away this morning
People stood in masks, two metres apart to hug and remember the Queen’s husband, who dedicated his life to the country
A woman in a mask wipes away tears outside Windsor Castle yesterday afternoon while a mourner cried outside Buckingham Palace as the news of Philip’s death sunk in
The duke’s funeral was due to have a strong military presence in recognition of his naval career and his links with the armed forces.
But the prospect of creating a spectacle that could potentially attract hundreds of thousands of people means there is no longer expected to be a military procession in London or any processions through Windsor.
A military involvement is expected to take place within the grounds of Windsor Castle.
Those servicemen and women taking part will rapidly begin their preparations, from practising routines to polishing helmets and swords.
Royal dressers will be fastidiously choosing and preparing black mourning ensembles.
Thames Valley Police will be tasked with dealing with the security needed in the days ahead, and preventing mass gatherings.
The Royal Households have a long history of making detailed plans for royal funerals.
Arrangements for the Queen Mother’s – codenamed Tay Bridge – were 22 years old by the time she died at the age of 101.
London Bridge is the codename for the Queen’s funeral plans.
In 2004, thieves broke into a car which belonged to a palace press officer at a motorway service station and made off with a briefcase which contained the secret plans regarding the Queen .
But the case and its confidential contents were found and returned by a member of the public.
It was once said that Philip, who was known for his acerbic wit, was amused by the fact that many of those involved in the planning of his funeral had themselves died before him.
Not all royal death arrangements have been so meticulously ordered.
Queen Victoria died at the age of 81 in 1901 after a period of ill health, but the Earl Marshal, who was responsible for the funeral, had no plans in place.
The complex arrangements, including transporting Victoria’s body across the Solent from the Isle of Wight and facilitating a two-hour military procession through London involving thousands of people, had to be organised from scratch in 10 days.
In contrast, her son, Edward VII, insisted his own funeral was planned well in advance.
Gun salute for Prince Philip: Artillery in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Gibraltar join Royal Navy warships in firing 41 rounds in 41 minutes to pay tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh
A gun salute rang out around the world today in honour of Prince Philip who died yesterday aged 99, with Royal Navy warships firing 41 shots over 40 minutes from midday in unison with batteries across the UK and Gibraltar after similar events in his beloved Commonwealth.
Crowds gathered on Tower Bridge to watch members of the Honourable Artillery Company fire their cannons from the Tower of London as shots also echoed around the capital from the historic barracks seven miles away at Woolwich, finishing at 12.40pm precisely.
HMS Diamond, a 8,000-tonne destroyer dubbed ‘the jewel in the naval crown, set sail from Portsmouth on Friday with her flag at half mast and held its gun salute in the Channel in memory of the Duke of Edinburgh, a celebrated sailor and war hero.
Members of the Honourable Artillery Company fire during a 41-round gun salute for Prince Philip from the wharf at the Tower of London held at Midday today
The Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery also fired to mark the passing of Philip, at their historic Parade Ground, Woolwich Barracks. The same guns were also fired for Philip’s wedding to the Queen in 1947 and at her Coronation six years later in 1953
Crew members of the HMS Montrose firing a 41-round gun salute to to mark the death of the Duke of Edinburgh, in Duqm, Oman
The Death Gun Salute was fired by the 104th Regiment Royal Artillery to mark the passing of Britain’s Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at Cardiff Castle
Members of the 105th Regiment Royal Artillery fired their 41-round gun salute from Edinburgh Castle, high above the Scottish capital
On the dockside in Gibratar, the Royal Gibraltar Regiment fired their Death Gun Salute to celebrate the life of the Duke of Edinburgh
She is the modern successor to the destroyers Philip served on during the Second World War as part of his 14-year naval career. HMS Montrose, a Type 23 Frigate, fired her 4.5 inch main gun from Oman in the Gulf, where she is based.
On land ‘Solemn’ 41-shot salutes took place from the wharf at the Tower of London, in Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh as well as from Naval bases in Portsmouth, Plymouth and the Rock of Gibraltar.
‘He has been my strength and stay all these years’: Queen’s touching words about Prince Philip from her 1997 golden wedding anniversary speech
The Queen has shared a touching tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh – a day after her husband of 73 years died at Windsor Castle at the age of 99.
A portrait, which shows Her Majesty, 94, sitting next to Prince Philip, was posted on the Royal Family’s social media along with a moving quote from the monarch about her husband from a speech she made celebrating their golden wedding anniversary in 1997.
The image, which shows Her Majesty, 94, sitting next to Prince Philip, was posted on the Royal Family’s social media along with a moving quote (above) from the monarch about her husband from a speech she made celebrating their golden wedding anniversary in 1997
She said: ‘He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years, and I, and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim, or we shall ever know.’
The Queen was speaking in November 1997 during a lunch at Banqueting House in London, in which she looked back on ‘a remarkable fifty years’.
Her Majesty announced her husband’s death at midday on Friday as the Union Flag was lowered to half-mast outside Buckingham Palace.
The touching portrait and quote were shared to Instagram today, alongside the caption: ‘At The Queen’s Coronation in 1953, The Duke of Edinburgh swore to be Her Majesty’s “liege man of life and limb.”
‘The Duke was a devoted consort (companion to the Sovereign) for almost 70 years, from Her Majesty’s Accession in 1952 until his death.’
The image of the royal couple was first released on the day of Philip’s 95th birthday in 2016.
The Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery fired on the Parade Ground at the historic Woolwich Barracks using the same guns also fired for Philip’s wedding to the Queen in 1947 and at her Coronation six years later in 1953.
An artillery salute has already taken place at Parliament House in Adelaide this morning, with similar commemorations repeated across the Commonwealth.
And as tributes to the Queen’s husband poured in from around the globe, it also emerged:
Officials told the public to observe the gun salutes, which will be broadcast online and on television, from home.
It comes after floral tributes laid by members of the public outside palaces were quickly removed last night as the nation faced an eery seven days of eerie socially distanced mourning.
In London, the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery rode out from their base at Napier Lines, Woolwich Barracks, onto the Parade Ground.
There were 71 horses, 36 of them pulling six 13-pounder field guns dating from the First World War.
The same guns were also fired for Philip’s wedding to the Queen in 1947 and at her Coronation six years later in 1953.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: ‘His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh was a constant supporter and ambassador of the armed forces.
‘We celebrate his life of service and offer our condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and the royal family.’
Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir Nick Carter said: ‘His Royal Highness has been a great friend, inspiration and role model for the armed forces and he will be sorely missed.
‘The Duke of Edinburgh served among us during the Second World War, and he remained devoted to the Royal Navy and the armed forces as a whole.
‘A life well lived, His Royal Highness leaves us with a legacy of indomitable spirit, steadfastness and an unshakeable sense of duty. From all of us who serve today and who have served, thank you.’
The Honourable Artillery Company fired a salute at the Tower of London, the 104th Regiment Royal Artillery will fire from Cardiff Castle, and the 105th Regiment Royal Artillery will fire at Hillsborough Castle, Belfast and Edinburgh Castle.
It comes as First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the most senior officer in the Royal Navy, added to the tributes to Philip.
In a statement released on Saturday morning, he said: ‘His genuine empathy, affection and engagement with the Royal Navy resonated with us all.
‘His generous spirit, his delight in all aspects of the Naval Service, and his deep understanding of our values, standards and ethos made him such a close friend to the Service for over eight decades.’
Philip joined the Royal Navy after leaving school, beginning at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth in May 1939, and was singled out as best cadet.
A woman wipes away tears as she queues to lay flowers at Buckingham Palace as the guns fire in the Duke’s memory
Lieutenant Colonel Hugo Clark salutes as members of the 105th Regiment Royal Artillery fire a 41-round gun salute at Edinburgh Castle while in London a family hugs as they reflect on the Duke’s death outside his London home as the shots rang out
Used shells shrouded in smoke lie on the ground at the Tower as Britain’s Armed Forces saluted war hero the Duke of Edinburgh
Spectators watch the volley of gunfire from Tower Bridge as the shells exploded in the London skyline after Midday
The Honourable Artillery Company, the City of London’s Reserve Army Regiment wear ceremonial attire and drive in their liveried Pinzgauer vehicles at The Tower of London
She is the modern successor to the destroyers the Duke of Edinburgh served on during World War Two as part of his 14-year naval career. Pictured is Philip (right) with the Queen and Captain John Edwin Home McBeath on HMS Chequers, which the prince served on
During the Second World War, he served on several ships – firstly on HMS Ramillies – and saw active service against German, Italian and Japanese forces.
In March 1941, he was a searchlight control officer on the battleship HMS Valiant and was mentioned in despatches for his part in the battle of Matapan against the Italian fleet.
Shortly afterwards, he was awarded the Greek War Cross of Valour.
He rose rapidly through the ranks, earning promotion after promotion, with some believing he could have become First Sea Lord – the professional head of the Royal Navy.
But the Duke stepped down from his active role in the forces to fulfil his duty as the Queen’s consort.
In recognition of his long-standing connection with the Royal Navy, the Queen conferred the title of Lord High Admiral on the Duke to mark his 90th birthday in June 2011.
Princes Andrew and Edward are supporting their mother the Queen at Windsor Castle today as she grieves the death of Prince Philip and begins life without her ‘strength and stay’ throughout their 73-year marriage and her 68-year reign.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s coffin is in Her Majesty’s private chapel of worship at their Berkshire home before being moved to the nearby Albert Memorial Chapel later today, where he will rest during seven days of national mourning ahead of his hugely scaled-back funeral next Saturday.
Their youngest child Prince Edward was the first to arrive to support his mother again today, having made the short trip from his Surrey home. Prince Andrew, who lives in Windsor Castle’s grounds, was also seen arriving after 10am. Prince Charles stayed with the Queen until late last night.
Meanwhile Britons have defied public health advice to stay at home and continued to lay flowers for Prince Philip during socially distanced vigils at royal palaces today as the country marks his death at the age of 99.
The bouquets, flowers, cards, Union Flags and balloons are being moved away by staff almost as soon as they are left – but royal aides insist they will all be saved and looked at by the Royal Family inside the grounds of Windsor and Buckingham Palace.
Palace security have even put up signs urging people not to congregate, but waves of mourners are still arriving to pay their respects to Her Majesty’s devoted husband, who dedicated his life to public service and supporting her through their 73-year marriage.
Well-wishers, all respecting social distancing and wearing masks, laid their tributes and briefly stood to pay their respects, with some wiping away tears or quietly singing hymns before returning home.
Philip is expected to be laid to rest in the Royal Vault during his private family funeral at St George’s Chapel next Saturday, stripped back due to Britain’s ongoing lockdown, with only 30 relatives able to attend. Britons are being warned to stay at home and watch on TV to avoid spreading coronavirus.
His grandson Prince Harry is expected to return to the UK and be among the small number of mourners at the funeral, but it is unlikely his pregnant wife Meghan will accompany him, weeks after the couple accused the Royal Family of racism in their bombshell Oprah interview while Philip lay in hospital.
Details about Prince Philip’s ‘peaceful’ death have emerged, with his wife of 73-years understood to have been at his bedside when he slipped away yesterday morning after becoming gravely ill late on Thursday, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Soldiers stand straight as guns fire at the Tower of London today as the salute could be heard all over the city
Stoic members of the Honourable Artillery Company and Beefeaters watch on fire a gun salute at The Tower of London
Tourists and well-wishers stood and watched in silence, many filming with their mobile phones, during the firing at the Tower of London
The giant and historic Woolwich Barracks in south-east London echoed with the sound of 41 shots in 40 minutes
Members of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery fire a 41-round gun salute at Woolwich Barracks in London
In Scotland the 105th Regiment Royal Artillery fired in unison at Edinburgh Castle
Guns fired for 40 minutes at the parade ground at Woolwich barracks this afternoon in memory of Philip, the longest-serving Queen’s consort in British history
Members of the Honourable Artillery Company moved their cannons to the wharf at the Tower of London ahead of the salute
The public stand in silence as a Death Gun Salute is fired at midday to commemorate the passing of Britain’s Prince Philip
The sparkling guns were wheeled into position in the minutes before Midday at the Tower of London’s wharf
Members of The Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery carry boxes of blank shells in advance of today’s gun salute
Members of The Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery place empty shells into boxes in advance of a gun salute to commemorate the death of Britain’s Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at the Parade Ground, Woolwich Barracks
A box of blank shells prepared for the gun salute to commemorate the death of Philip
The sun on his face and a rug on his lap: RICHARD KAY reveals Prince Philip’s final days at Windsor Castle with his ‘Lilibet’ – the Queen – as he neared 100
For the Queen there was one saving grace: that she and Prince Philip were together at the end. After more than seven decades of their lives entwined in both love and duty, this may be the smallest of consolations.
His austerely decorated bedroom overlooking the East Terrace at Windsor Castle was still linked by the dressing room that gives on to his wife’s more comfortably furnished suite.
But it was his physical presence – so reassuring in the aftermath of so much family drama – from which in recent weeks she has drawn strength.
No longer the decisive man of action who had devoted a lifetime to supporting her, she was now able to repay him.
Domestic timetables such as mealtimes were torn up to accommodate him when he felt he was strong enough to join her.
Even with failing health signalling that his life was drawing to a close, the two were still able to enjoy time with each other as they always had.
In recent weeks he would often sleep for much of the day, but there were moments of great lucidity and joyful togetherness.
For the Queen there was one saving grace: that she and Prince Philip (pictured in March 2021) were together at the end. After more than seven decades of their lives entwined in both love and duty, this may be the smallest of consolations
Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, is pictured leaving King Edward VII’s Hospital in central London on March 16, 2021
Even with failing health signalling that his life was drawing to a close, the Queen and Prince Philip (pictured in 2020) were still able to enjoy time with each other as they always had
Prince Philip is pictured with (far left to right) Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner, Mrs C.J. Latta and American opera singer Dorothy Kirsten
Prince Philip, in his role as Captain General of the Royal Marines, attended a Parade to mark the finale of the 1664 Global Challenge in 2017. It was his final solo appearance at the official engagement
One such moment came when he dropped his reading glasses. A footman in attendance leapt forward to pick them up.
‘Never mind,’ the duke said, raising his arm. ‘I’ll do it.’ And so he did, bending down to the floor. On another occasion the Queen was overheard reflecting that her husband of 73 years was refusing to use his hearing aid. ‘It means we have to shout,’ she said.
Some are bound to focus on that looming centenary of Philip’s 100th birthday in June, which will no longer be the celebration once envisaged.
But the duke was not a sentimental man. For him it was far more important to die at home in his own bed, the date immaterial.
That it should have been at Windsor Castle where his mother Princess Alice, a great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria, was born was of infinitely more significance.
In recent days he had been often confined to his room, but in the weeks since his release from hospital last month – he spent 28 days in the King Edward VII’s and St Bartholomew’s hospitals – he has been calmer and quieter.
Food would be sent up on a tray but he often had little appetite.
Routines inevitably had to change. He cancelled his 7.30am calling tray of morning tea that a valet or page would bring to his room where, among the few personal possessions he always kept on display, there were two framed photographs – one of his wife and the other of his mother.
Intriguingly, among the family photographs of children and grandchildren he always kept on his office desk at Windsor, was one of Prince Charles and Princess Diana taken on their wedding day.
The Queen and Philip welcomed a new great-grandchild – their eighth – with the birth of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s son, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor. Pictured left to right in June: Prince Philip, Prince Harry, Queen Elizabeth, Doria Ragland, and Meghan
The Queen and Philip, pictured at Broadlands in 2007, shared an irreplaceable bond – united at key moments of history, witnessed from the unique viewpoint of a monarch and her consort
On those days when he felt strong enough to venture out of his room, he dressed in a shirt and jumper, pressed trousers and polished shoes. There was a valet to draw a bath but according to insiders at least until very recently Philip was still dressing himself.
On warm days he asked for a chair to be taken outside and he would sit in the sunshine with a rug over his legs. Often he would nod off.
Walking was difficult and around his apartment he used a stick. Occasionally he would allow himself to be pushed in a wheelchair but staff were wary of suggesting it. ‘When it first appeared in the private rooms he shouted: ‘Get that bloody thing out of my sight!’, recalls an aide.
This unwillingness to betray any sign of frailty was characteristic.
Princess Elizabeth photographed in Clarence House in July 1951, with the Duke of Edinburgh
Queen Elizabeth II, wearing the Imperial State Crown, and Prince Philip, in uniform of Admiral of the Fleet, wave from Buckingham Palace in London after the Coronation in June 1953
Queen Elizabeth II on the balcony at Buckingham Palace after her coronation, on June 2, 1953. With her are (left to right): Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother
The Queen holds the Orb and Sceptre at her Coronation in June 1953, which took place at Westminster Abbey in London
The Queen at a polo match with the Duke of Edinburgh in 1955
A man speaks and gestures as he brings flowers to Buckingham Palace after Prince Philip died at the age of 99
But for the pandemic, things might have been so very different. At Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate Philip had adjusted to a new kind of life, sometimes with the Queen but often alone or entertaining friends such as Countess Mountbatten, the former Lady Penny Romsey, to whom he taught the sport of carriage driving.
When lockdown commenced last March Philip was whisked to Windsor to join the Queen. He did return to his beloved Wood Farm – thanks once again to the Queen. After cutting their stay at Balmoral last summer to just six weeks, they then spent three weeks at the Norfolk bolthole.
With its simple furnishings and modest size, it was the closest the couple came to leading an ordinary non-palace life.
On one occasion at a picnic a domestic servant, unfamiliar with royal tradition, mixed a salad dressing – only for the Queen to exclaim when she arrived a little after her husband: ‘I can’t believe the Duke of Edinburgh has made the vinaigrette, he knows I like to do it.’
Philip himself loved the solitude of north Norfolk. When he was there alone he had just a valet and a cook to take care of him. But after his illness and with the country in a third lockdown the prospect of him returning to Wood Farm was impossible.
Instead, he had only one ambition: he was determined not to end his days in hospital. ‘When he came back to Windsor he said he was not going back to any hospital,’ an insider said.
The Queen wearing a tartan skirt with corgis beside her and Prince Philip wearing a kilt in Balmoral in 1994
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh laugh as they bid farewell to Irish President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina at Windsor Castle after their state visit in April 2014
Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh, on honeymoon, photographed in the grounds of Broadlands looking at their wedding photographs, on November 23, 1947
Instructions were issued that he should be made as comfortable as possible – and if that meant changing timetables for meals so be it.
‘His entire life had been conducted to strict routines and since retiring he didn’t have to follow them and it was agreed that it should continue like that for him,’ says an insider.
‘No fuss was the constant refrain,’ says the insider.
Even so he was well enough to still speak to family and close friends on the telephone – unlike the Queen, Philip was not a fan of Zoom calls.
The Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Anne preparing a barbecue on the Estate at Balmoral Castle in August 1972
Princess Elizabeth, Britain’s future queen, and Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten shown at Buckingham Palace following their engagement, in November 1947. On her engagement finger, Elizabeth wears a three-diamond ring which she wears to this day
The Queen toasts Prince Philip at the opening of the Millennium Dome in London on New Year’s Eve 1999
But he was frustrated by Covid restrictions which didn’t just limit visits by the family but also meant difficulties in the nursing care he needed.
There was no dramatic decline in his health but it was gradual. Earlier this week, staff said Philip was ‘on good form’. He was still reading and writing letters.
Remember, this was a man who prided himself on his fitness and who rarely complained. Even so he was not pain free.
And rehearsals for his death were already under way. Late at night, a team of footmen at Buckingham Palace had been practising the placing of the official typed statement about the duke’s death.
Yesterday the task was conducted by two of the Palace’s foot-women.
Philip, who did so much to modernise Buckingham Palace, would surely have approved.
Sports stars continue to pay their respects to Prince Philip… with black armbands, minute-long silences and flags at half mast in the Premier League, Challenge Cup rugby matches and County Championship cricket
Tributes have continued to pour in for Prince Philip from across the world of sport on Saturday, the day after his death was announced.
The Duke of Edinburgh – husband of the Queen – passed away at Windsor Castle at the age of 99 on Friday after suffering from ill health.
On Friday there were immediate tributes from the Grand National at Aintree, Wembley Stadium and County Championship cricket matches.
The Premier League match between Manchester City and Leeds held a two minute silence
The players and staff observed the silence impeccably inside an Etihad Stadium empty of fans
The Leicester v Newcastle Challenge Cup match showed a picture of the Duke during a silence
A Premier League U18 youth match between Manchester United and Stoke also held a silence
The Championship fixture between Watford and Reading at Vicarage Road showed this image
And more sporting events paid tribute to the Duke, with the early afternoon Premier League match between Manchester City and Leeds holding a two-minute silence, as all matches played this weekend will.
The players and staff completed an impeccably observed two minutes in an empty Etihad Stadium, with players sporting black armbands.
Manchester City and Leeds had both tweeted out statements offering condolences on Friday ahead of their match.
City said: ‘Manchester City extends its sincere condolences to the Royal Family following the sad news that His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh has passed away at the age of 99.’
Leeds added: ‘The thoughts of everyone at #LUFC are with Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family following the passing of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.’
Silence was also observed at an U18 fixture between Manchester United and Stoke, with players standing around the centre circle to pay their respects.
The Challenge Cup quarter-final between Leicester Tigers and Newcastle at Welford Road displayed a picture of Prince Philip with a black background as they too honoured the Prince’s life.
On Friday it was confirmed the Grand National at Aintree in Liverpool would go ahead despite Philip’s death, with the Union Jack flown at half mast and jockeys and fans also joining in a two minute silence.
The England football team stadium Wembley in North London displayed a prominent tribute, while County Championship matches including Yorkshire against Glamorgan featuring England captain Joe Root, held silences and players wore black armbands.
Meanwhile, the England and Wales Cricket board announced it was ‘deeply saddened’ by his passing and highlighted his contributions to the sport through various cricket organisations, including trophy presentations and charitable work.
Aintree paid tribute to the Duke with his picture on screens and the Union Jack at half mast
Racegoers and riders joined in a socially distanced silence at the Grand National in Liverpool
England football team’s ground Wembley Stadium also displayed a prominent tribute (above)
County cricket matches held a two-minute silence while players (above) wore black armbands
The FA announced their intention to honour his life by flying flags at Wembley and St George’s Park at half mast.
‘We have sent our deepest condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and our president, HRH The Duke of Cambridge, following the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh,’ it said on Twitter.
‘As a mark of our respect, all flags at @WembleyStadium and St. George’s Park will fly at half-mast.
And the Premier League wrote: ‘We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Our thoughts and condolences are with Her Majesty The Queen, The Royal Family and all those around the world mourning the loss of His Royal Highness.
‘As a mark of respect, players will wear black armbands and there will be a minute’s silence before kick-off at all Premier League matches played tonight and across the weekend.’