Prince Philip, who died last year aged 99, was not only the Queen's devoted husband but also a caring grandfather. A poignant moment from Princess Diana's funeral in 1997 has come to light, showing Philip comforting a young Prince William when he thought the cameras could not see them.
As the funeral procession passed under an arch in Horse Guards Parade on the way to Westminster Abbey, Philip reached out and gently touched William's back. William was just 15 at the time, walking behind his mother's coffin alongside his father Prince Charles, brother Prince Harry, and uncle Earl Spencer.
The gesture was recounted by Martin Palmer, co-founder of The Alliance of Religions and Conservation, who said Philip told him about the moment. Palmer said Philip admitted, 'I didn't think the cameras could see us,' and described it as a grandfather trying to help his vulnerable grandson through a terrible ordeal.
Philip's support extended beyond that day; he was a steady presence for William and Harry after Diana's tragic death in a Paris car crash. The Duke of Edinburgh died on April 9, 2021, at Windsor Castle, and his funeral was limited to 30 guests due to the pandemic. Both William and Harry attended.
Last week, a memorial service for Philip was held at Westminster Abbey, attended by the Queen and over 1,800 people, though Harry was absent. The Queen is expected to mark the first anniversary of Philip's death privately at Windsor Castle.
