The passing of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on April 9, 2021, marked the end of an era for the British royal family. As the longest-serving royal consort in British history, his death at the age of 99 drew condolences from across the globe and led to a historic, yet private, funeral service at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.
Among those affected deeply by the loss was his grandson, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex. At the time of Prince Philip’s death, Prince Harry was residing in California with his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and their young son Archie. Their daughter, Lilibet Diana, would be born later in June of that year.
Prince Harry’s Account in His Memoir “Spare”
Prince Harry has spoken publicly about his experience upon learning of his grandfather’s death. In his 2023 memoir Spare, which became a bestselling title globally, he shared personal reflections about the moment he received the news. According to the book, Harry was asleep in California when attempts were made to reach him from the United Kingdom.
Although the exact number of missed calls has been widely discussed in media coverage, including reports by outlets such as The Independent and BBC News, the official record remains based on Harry’s own account. He later received confirmation of Prince Philip’s death during a conversation with Queen Elizabeth II.
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The Funeral at Windsor Castle
The funeral of Prince Philip took place on April 17, 2021, and was conducted according to his own wishes. It was a ceremonial royal funeral, in line with his military background and personal preferences. Due to public health restrictions in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, the service was limited to 30 attendees, including senior members of the royal family.
Prince Harry returned to the United Kingdom to attend the service, marking one of his first public appearances with his family following his and Meghan’s decision to step back from royal duties in early 2020.
During the funeral procession, Prince Harry walked alongside his brother, Prince William, though their cousin Peter Phillips walked between them. This positioning, widely covered in the media, was later clarified by Buckingham Palace as a “practical arrangement” and not a reflection of any personal or familial issues.
According to BBC News and statements from royal officials, the arrangements were made in line with the Queen’s wishes and logistical considerations for the event. The Palace emphasized that the funeral was a solemn occasion, focused on honoring the Duke of Edinburgh’s legacy.
Prince Philip’s Life and Legacy
Prince Philip served as consort to Queen Elizabeth II for more than 70 years, making him the longest-serving consort in British history. He was known for his dedication to public service, having completed over 22,000 solo engagements before retiring from royal duties in 2017 at the age of 96.
His work included founding the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, a global youth program that has helped millions of young people develop skills in leadership, volunteering, and physical fitness. The program is now active in more than 140 countries.
In addition to his public duties, Prince Philip had a long-standing connection with engineering, conservation, and the military. He served in the Royal Navy during World War II and held multiple honorary military appointments throughout his life.
One particularly symbolic detail of his funeral was the use of a custom-built Land Rover Defender to carry his casket—a vehicle he helped design with the company years earlier. Prince Philip’s association with Land Rover dated back over four decades, and he had personally granted the brand a Royal Warrant, highlighting his appreciation for British engineering.
Prince Harry’s Tribute
Following Prince Philip’s passing, Prince Harry issued a heartfelt tribute through his official foundation website, Archewell. In the statement, he described his grandfather as someone who was “authentically himself” and praised his dedication to the monarchy, his family, and his charitable efforts.
The tribute reflected not only personal admiration but also Harry’s respect for his grandfather’s role in shaping the modern royal family.
Reuniting with Family During a Time of Loss
The funeral provided a rare moment for reflection and reunion. Prince Harry’s presence, although under intense public and media scrutiny, underscored the importance of family unity in times of mourning.
Despite ongoing public discussions about Prince Harry’s relationship with other members of the royal family, Buckingham Palace and senior officials consistently emphasized that the focus of the funeral was to celebrate Prince Philip’s life and service.
As reported by The Guardian, ITV, and Sky News, Queen Elizabeth II remained stoic and composed during the funeral, a testament to her strength as both a monarch and a widow.
Media Responsibility and Public Understanding
In the days following the funeral, international media outlets offered extensive coverage of the ceremony, family dynamics, and tributes. While public interest in the royal family is understandable, both the Palace and royal historians have emphasized the importance of focusing on factual reporting and avoiding speculation during such sensitive moments.
Organizations like Reuters, The Associated Press (AP), and Royal.uk, the official website of the British royal family, remain the most reliable sources for updates and statements regarding royal events. They encourage the public to differentiate between personal memoirs, official statements, and speculative commentary that often circulates on social media.
Final Thoughts: Mourning with Dignity
Prince Harry’s experience of learning about his grandfather’s death while living abroad highlights the emotional complexity faced by many families divided by geography. It is a reminder that even within the most prominent families, moments of loss are deeply personal.
The legacy of Prince Philip continues through the charitable work he championed, the institutions he supported, and the family he helped shape. Prince Harry’s tribute and presence at the funeral reflected a deep respect for those traditions and the values instilled by his grandfather.
As the royal family continues to evolve, moments of shared remembrance like Prince Philip’s funeral serve as powerful reminders of service, sacrifice, and the bonds that endure across generations.
Verified Sources:
- Royal.uk – Official Royal Family Website
- BBC News – Prince Philip Funeral Coverage
- Reuters Fact Check – Royal Family Events
- The Guardian – Prince Philip Obituary
- The Independent – Prince Harry Memoir Insights
- Sky News – Royal Funeral Report
