On April 9th, the world was saddened to learn that Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and husband to Queen Elizabeth II, had passed away at the age of 99. On Saturday, April 17th, a funeral was held to honor Philip’s life and accomplishments.
Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, wore an accessory that honored more than just the Duke.
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The Royal Family announced that Prince Philip had passed away through a statement made to social media.
“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. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss,” the statement read .
Prince William also shared an emotional statement to social media on behalf of him and his family.
“My grandfather’s century of life was defined by service – to his country and Commonwealth, to his wife and Queen, and to our family. I feel lucky to have not just had his example to guide me, but his enduring presence well into my own adult life – both through good times and the hardest days,” William wrote .
Prince William made special note of how grateful he was for his wife Kate Middleton’s relationship wit his grandfather.
“I will always be grateful that my wife had so many years to get to know my grandfather and for the kindness he showed her,” he wrote. “I will never take for granted the special memories my children will always have of their great-grandpa coming to collect them in his carriage and seeing for themselves his infectious sense of adventure as well as his mischievous sense of humour!”
Prince Philip’s funeral was full of loved ones honoring the Duke’s incredible life and legacy.
One such tribute was Queen Elizabeth leaving a handwritten note on Prince Phillip’s coffin, signed with the childhood nickname ‘Lilibet,’ which Philip still used to refer to his wife.
He wasn’t the only member of the Royal Family that was honored at the event.
The days leading up to the funeral were of course not without drama.
There was growing concern over which members of The Royal Family would be permitted to wear military uniforms to the ceremony, but eventually it was announced that all smale members of the family were just to wear plain suits.
There had also been backlash after The Palace released the procession order for the funeral.
Prince William and Prince Harry both joined family members in walking behind their grandfather’s coffin, but their cousin, Peter Phillips (the son of Princess Anne), walked between them .
Some fans believed that this separation was due to tension between the two Princes.
However, a rep for Buckingham Palace denied these rumors, stating , “This is a funeral and we are not going to be drawn into perceptions of drama. The arrangements have been agreed and represent Her Majesty’s wishes.”
Prince William and Prince Harry were seen together at the funeral.
Many fans saw this as a testament to their love for their grandfather.
“They love their grandad, enough said! Heart suit such a sad moment for any family,” one fan tweeted .
They weren’t the only ones paying tribute to beloved family members at the funeral.
Kate Middleton’s necklace held a special meaning.
Kate was photographed wearing a four-row pearl choker with a diamond clasp, a necklace that may seem familiar to eagle-eyed fans of the Royal Family due to its connection to both The Queen herself as well as the late Princess Diana.
The necklace itself was custom-made for The Queen.
The Queen was frequently seen wearing the necklace throughout the ’80s and ’90s, but she was not the only one. Kate Middleton’s mother-in-law, the late Princess Diana wore the same necklace in 1982.
Kate also was photographed wearing a pair drop pearl earrings that also belong to The Queen.
What a beautiful way to honor the entire family!
Our thoughts are with the entire Royal Family as well as all of Prince Philip’s friends, loved ones, and supporters during this difficult time.
h/t: Fox News
