On Saturday, the royal family gathered at Windsor Castle for the funeral of Prince Philip, who died at the age of 99 on April 9.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it was a more subdued affair than usual, with only 30 mourners in attendance and a scaled-down military procession.
But according to royal historian Marlene Koenig, the late Duke of Edinburgh would have approved it.
“It was what he wanted, although it had been slimmed down,” she told Page Six. “He wanted it to have its own personality and even designed a Land Rover hearse that looked almost like a fancy pickup truck.”
Koenig pointed to the presence of Prince Philip’s beloved riding carriage and ponies as one of the “beautiful details” that reflected his life and interests.
As for the lack of eulogy? That choice was made “for the simple reason that he didn’t want it really aimed at him,” said Koenig. “There are so many accomplishments, but I think he was pleased to be left to the obituaries, letting the ceremony reflect his Christian faith and the simplicity of his own life.”
Funeral guests also brought their own special symbolism to the proceedings – most notably Kate Middleton, who wore a four-strand Japanese pearl choker from the Queen’s collection, along with earrings made from pearls that Her Majesty received as a wedding gift when she married prince Philip in 1947.
“She looked very elegant, and she sent a very subtle symbol that this necklace and these earrings represented a part of Philip’s life with the Queen,” noted the royal historian.
A meaningful gesture, Koenig said, may have fallen flat, but stems from the wreath Meghan Markle sent for the ceremony, along with a handwritten card.
The Duchess of Sussex, who is expecting a baby girl, stayed home in part because she “didn’t want to be the center of attention” on the gloomy occasion, according to reports.
Instead, she sent a wreath of locally sourced and highly symbolic flowers – including flowers representing Prince Philip’s Greek heritage, month of birth, and more – that were described in a press release, a move Keonig called “ unusual. ”
The royals don’t usually say, ‘Well, this [wreath’s] Charles’s, Andrew’s, Beatrice’s, ”she told us. “I think it was a little bit of drawing attention to them instead of just saying nothing at all… The original statement that her doctor advised her not to go was the best way to go, I think. “
Koenig added that “the only wreath of interest was the wreath placed on Queen Elizabeth’s chest; inside was a personal note from her. “
There was also a lot of chatter about Prince William’s estranged brothers and Prince Harry’s seemingly amiable conversation after the funeral. Lip readers even tried to decipher exactly what the future king and his little brother were talking about. However, Koenig believes this is just the beginning of a possible reconciliation for the couple.
“I think it will take a lot more than a walk up the hill to the private Windsor Castle apartments for William and Harry to sit down and discuss all the issues and alleged problems,” she explained, adding that she thinks Harry should consider staying indoors. town for his grandmother’s 95th birthday on Wednesday to spend some more time with his family.
“They have to talk to each other,” she said.
