‘As he wanted’: What you missed at Prince Philip’s funeral as the Queen paid subtle tribute

When Prince Harry and Prince William finally spoke to each other outside their grandfather’s funeral, the world’s eyes were on them. This is what they said.

When Prince Harry and Prince William finally spoke to each other outside their grandfather’s funeral, the world’s eyes were on them.

Now, it’s been revealed what the feuding brothers said to each other as they left St George’s Chape at Windsor Castle, following Prince Philip’s funeral.

Prince Harry told his brother Philip’s servce was “as he would have wanted”, while the pair walked with William’s wife, Kate Middleton.

“Yes, it was great wasn’t it,” Prince William is believed to have replied, according to lip readers enlisted by the UK’s Express.

“Absolutely beautiful service, ah, the music.” The funeral was the first time the brothers have reunited in more than a year, amid tensions in their releationship due to Harry’s and wife Meghan’s “Megxit” from royal life and their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey.

Prince William and Prince Harry exchanged brief words outside Prince Philip’s funeral, according to lip readers. Picture: Getty Images

William (far lef) and Harry (far right) walked behind their grandfather’s coffin with other members of the royal family. Picture: Getty Images

QUEEN’S FINAL TRIBUTE

The Queen paid tribute to Prince Philip, her beloved husband of 70 years, with a series of personal touches which were discretely incorporated into his funeral.

Her Majesty bid farewell to Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, alongside 29 members of her family and close friends.

It was a sombre and touching service, with details arranged by the Duke himself before his death, and watched by millions worldwide on TV.

Queen Elizabeth added a personal note and flowers to the top of the casket, and carried mementos of their long and happy life together, including a holiday photo and Philip’s handkerchief.

Due to coronavirus restrictions, mourners grieved separately, with the Queen seated by herself in the furthermost pew of in St George’s Chapel.

Queen Elizabeth farewelled her husband with some personal touches at his funeral. Picture: Getty Images

The late Prince Philip and the Queen in happy times. Picture: AFP

HANDKERCHIEF AND HOLIDAY SNAP

The Queen carried a personal photograph of herself and Prince Philip in her handbag on the day of the funeral.

An insider said the picture was taken of the couple on holiday in Malta, when they were younger. She is also thought to have carried one of her husband’s handkerchiefs with her.

The white, folded square, inserted into the breast pocket of a sharply cut suit, was a strong feature of the Duke’s classic style.

The mourning monarch sat alone in the chapel with her handbag next to her on the seat.

‘LILIBET’

The Queen was known as “Lilibet” by close family members, a nickname given to her by her father, King George VI, and one which Philip used to address his wife.

She placed a handwritten card on Philip’s coffin, which read “in loving memory”, placed next to the Duke’s Admiral of the Fleet naval cap and sword.

The signature on the card was tucked out of sight in the flowers, obscuring whether it read Elizabeth or Lilibet.

People, however, reported that the signature read “Lilibet”.

Princess Anne and Prince Charles follow the coffin of Prince Philip, featuring the flowers chosen by the Queen. Picture: Getty Images

FLOWERS

The Queen personally selected the floral arrangements for Prince Philip’s funeral in a tribute to her late husband.

Her Majesty opted for white lilies and small white roses for the wreath on the Duke of Edinburgh’s coffin before bidding him a final farewell.

Also on the Duke’s wreath were white freesia, white wax flower, white sweet peas and jasmine.

While the service was televised and heavily photographed for a global audience, cameras cut away at the moment when the Duke’s coffin was placed in the family vault, allowing each royal member present, including the Queen, a final private farewell.

The late Prince Philip was farewelled with a funeral that featured a string of personal touches. Picture: Instagram/The Royal Family

Finally, the Queen chose the photos of Prince Philip which where shared in tribute to him on the Royal Family’s official Instagram feed.

One stirring image was a shot of the Duke, photographed from behind, as he tipped his hat and walked away.

After his death aged aged 99 on April 9, the Queen spoke of her “deep sorrow” at the loss of her husband, describing him her “strength and stay” during their long marriage.

— With The Sun

Originally published as ‘As he wanted’: What you missed at Prince Philip’s funeral as the Queen paid subtle tribute