Normally, the Queen is a pillar of strength for her family and the balm for the nation s soul. But yesterday, on an occasion of deep sorrow and rare glories, it was she who required succour.
When, for instance, the national minute s silence froze the scene inside St George s Chapel in the great walled enclosure of Windsor Castle.
And again when the Last Post cast its mournful spell and she bowed her head, appearing to wipe away a tear.
But never was the blast of goodwill from her country needed most than when she stood – desolate, masked, alone, without even a hand to squeeze – watching the coffin bearing her husband of 73 years sink dramatically beneath the chapel s marble floor.
‘My grandfather’s century of life was defined by service – to his country and Commonwealth, to his wife and Queen, and to our family,’ read a quote by Prince William, captioning a sweet photograph of the Duke of Edinburgh with Prince George.
‘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. 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. 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!
Harry and William will be reunited for the first time on the morning of Philip s funeral dailymail.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from dailymail.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Royal Family pays tribute to Prince Philip s work abroad, releasing photographs showcasing his work abroad
Philip made 229 visits to 67 Commonwealth countries on solo visits without The Queen over 67-year period
Duke of Edinburgh completed a total of 22,219 solo engagements and thousands more at the side of his wife
He died last Friday at Windsor Castle aged 99 after decades of public service abroad between 1949 and 2016