TOWER OF STRENGTH
The Queen has been ‘amazing’, tearful Sophie reveals after visiting monarch with Edward following Prince Philip’s death
A TEARFUL Countess of Wessex said the Queen has been "amazing" after visiting the monarch today with her husband Edward following the death of Prince Philip.
The Earl of Wessex and Sophie were seen arriving at Windsor Castle in a blue Land Rover Discovery at 11am and spent around an hour with the Queen.
🔵 Read our live blog for the very latest news on Prince Philip's death...
14
14
14
14
14
14
14
As she left the castle, the Countess of Wessex said: "The Queen has been amazing."
Sophie spoke to reporters from the car driven by her husband, the Earl of Wessex.
Prince Andrew was also pictured leaving Windsor Castle this morning.
The Duke of York, who lives at the Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate, arrived at the back entrance to the Queen's private apartments yesterday.
Prince Philip, 99, died at the castle - where he stayed with the Queen during the coronavirus pandemic - yesterday morning.
On Friday afternoon, Prince Charles was spotted leaving Windsor Castle after visiting the monarch following his father's death.
The Prince of Wales' car was pictured at the royal residence in the afternoon - just hours after Buckingham Palace announced the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.
Charles, 72, was seen in the passenger seat of the silver Tesla as he rushed to support the Queen, who is grieving for her husband of 73 years.
14
14
14
14
14
Buckingham Palace announced the news of Prince Philip's passing at midday, as the Queen spoke of her "deep sorrow" after her "beloved" husband passed away "peacefully" at Windsor Castle.
The Prince of Wales, who is Prince Philip's eldest son, received the devastating news of his father's death on his 16th wedding anniversary to Camilla.
Yesterday marked 16 years together - but celebrations were on hold as the royal family grieves for the Duke of Edinburgh.
It comes as:
- Queen shares touching tribute to 'strength & stay' Philip
- Tower of London lead 40-minute global gun salute in honour of Philip
- Prince William pulls out of Bafta speech in sign of respect
- What to expect this weekend as the UK mourns Prince Philip
- Queen to sign off on funeral arrangements today but will be forced to choose 30 attendees
- Prince Andrew was the first royal to arrive at Windsor Castle to comfort Queen
- Duke's death announced to PM with 'Forth Bridge is down' coded message after Royal Family told
- Queen was 'by Philip's bedside' when he died after final days 'in good form reading in the sun'
Her Majesty, 94, yesterday shared a poignant photo of Philip in a heartfelt tribute to her "strength and guide".
The tragic news is a huge blow to the Queen, with the Duke widely known to be the backbone of the Royal Family.
Just after midday on Friday, the Union Flag was lowered to half-mast outside Buckingham Palace and on public buildings across the UK as the world mourns his death.
14
14
A statement from 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.
"Further announcements will made in due course.
"The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."
Prince Charles, the heir to the throne, inherited his father's title of the Duke of Edinburgh yesterday.
But the title will later be inherited by Philip’s youngest son Prince Edward on Charles’ eventual accession to the throne.
Most read in News
In 1999, Buckingham Palace announced that Edward would succeed his father in the Dukedom with the blessing of the Queen and Prince Philip.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Announcing the news of Prince Philip's death, the official Royal Family website was replaced with a single page and heartfelt tribute to the Duke.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson paid tribute and said “he helped to steer the Royal Family and the monarchy so that it remains an institution indisputably vital to the balance and happiness of our national life.”
'A huge loss of a man with integrity'
By Chloe Kerr
THE Sun has set up an online book of condolence as mourners are encouraged not to pay their respects in person.
Here are some of your tributes to Prince Philip:
“You provided some humour during dark times. Your love and support to your wife, Her Majesty the Queen, was clear for us all to see.
“Your military record deserved all the accolades we are now hearing but you never looked for any such comments.
“Humility was something I admired in you. Your place in our history will say that you were an incredibly hard working member of the Royal Family and your work with the DoE award scheme is your legacy. Sir, may you rest in peace.”
Tony Hoskins
“A huge loss for us all, a man of integrity, honour and patriotism. Tirelessly, loyally supporting Her Majesty and his country.
"Rest in Eternal Peace Prince Philip, Gone but will never be forgotten.”
Jean Duke
“A great ambassador for Britain.”
Sandra Hardman
“A love story worthy of a thousand-page novel.”
Diane Sharkey
“May the Queen draw strength, support and love from all the beautiful messages she has received on the passing of her beloved husband.”
Deborah McClung
“Dedication to Britain, and to her Majesty.”
Andrew Pickford
“What a loss for Her Majesty the Queen, the UK and rest of the world.
"Here in Germany the Prince will be greatly missed. What a gentleman and strong personality. May he rest in peace.”
Ulrike Simmons, Germany
“I wish Her Majesty the Queen my deepest condolences and to her family.
"Philip was a perfect example of loyalty and love of the Queen and of country!”
Mirtha Castillo, Spain
“A giant amongst men, a man who has devoted his whole life to the service of the Queen and Commonwealth.”
Martin Burch, Brisbane
“Please accept my family’s condolences and deep sorrow for your husband.”
Aykut Karata, Istanbul
Westminster Abbey to toll bell 99 times tonight for Prince Philip after royal's death weeks before his 100th birthday
Topics