Queen Elizabeth's Grandson Reveals 'The Hardest Part' Of Prince Philip's Funeral

KEY POINTS

Prince Philip died peacefully at Windsor Castle on April 9
Peter Phillips said the hardest part of his funeral was not being able to hug Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth has been leaning on her family and faith for strength

Peter Phillips has opened up about “the hardest part” of saying goodbye to Prince Philip, four months after the Prince of Edinburgh was laid to rest in April.

The eldest grandchild of Queen Elizabeth spoke to BBC over the weekend about the emotions the family experienced during Prince Philip’s funeral, saying the hardest part was not being able to console the Queen.

Peter, the son of Princess Anne, revealed that their thoughts immediately went to Queen Elizabeth following the announcement of his grandfather’s death. “We’ve been trying to support her as much as we can. Everybody saw the image of Her Majesty sitting alone. It would have been the same for any other family, the hardest part is not being able to hug those closest to the person who’s been lost,” he told BBC.

Peter also spoke about how they tried to focus on the light at the end of the tunnel despite their grief. “It’s the same for a lot of families. There have been some great sadnesses but at the same time you’ve got to try to take the positives out of these situations, whether that be new life or happy memories, that’s what you’ve got to focus on,” he said.

Peter went on to pay tribute to his late grandfather and described him as “a hugely influential figure” in all of their lives. “He is sorely missed. He lived a remarkable life and if any of us can even live half the life that he did, we would all be extraordinarily happy,” he said.

Prince Philip died in his sleep on April 9 at Windsor Castle. In its statement following his death, Buckingham Palace said, “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced 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.”

Despite his death, a source previously told People that Queen Elizabeth has been leaning on her family, faith, and service to her people to strengthen her. “I always felt that she was never knocked off course,” the royal insider told the outlet back in June.