Prince Edward reflects on the ’emotional’ loss of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip

Prince Edward has reflected on the passing of his parents, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, revealing that losing them both in such a short time frame was “far more emotional”.

Edward also spoke of the “overwhelming” support that followed the death of his mother while he addressed the Edinburgh assembly after he was deputised for the King as Lord High Commissioner at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland on Saturday, May 18.

“For my own part, I just want to pay personal tribute to the chaplains of the Chapels Royal and especially those here in Scotland,” he said.

“There have been moments recently where I have been lucky to have sensed God’s care and love.

“And who could forget the scenes that followed the passing of my mother?

“The outpouring of emotions, the demonstration of respect, love and grief was overwhelming and a privilege to experience and behold.

“I think I can speak for my whole family when I say we will remain forever grateful for that support.”

Edward also remarked that his father’s death, just a year prior, intensified the emotional impact of his mother’s passing.

The prince shared that he was left “really touched and comforted” by the help offered by the chaplains to the Royal Family “behind closed doors and away from the public gaze and the scrutiny”.

“I know it’s part of the job description, so perhaps I shouldn’t have been surprised,” he said.

“Here were centuries of tradition, of rituals long practised, of prayer, of care and of comfort.”

Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth II’s husband of more than 70 years, died at the age of 99 on April 9, 2021.

The British royal family’s official Instagram account broke the sad news at the time, revealing that Prince Philip had passed away peacefully that morning at Windsor Castle. He was just two months away from his 100th birthday.

Queen Elizabeth, the longest reigning monarch in British history, passed away at the age of 96, on Thursday, September 8 at 6.30pm London time at Balmoral, triggering an outpouring of grief from across the globe.

Buckingham Palace announced her death in a statement after senior royals gathered at Balmoral following concern from the Queen’s doctors regarding her health earlier in the day.

“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” the statement read.

In the face of the profound loss of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Prince Edward finds solace in the outpouring of support and the enduring traditions that offered comfort during his time of grief.

-with PA.