The Queen's grandson Peter Phillips reveals hardest part of Prince Philip's death

Peter Phillips
(Image credit: WPA Pool/Getty Images)

The Queen's eldest grandson Peter Phillips opened up about Prince Philip's death in a rare interview on Friday.

Peter Phillips revealed that the hardest part of Prince Philip's death was not being able to hug his grandmother, the Queen, during the late Duke of Edinburgh's funeral in April.

Many royal fans were left saddened by the sight of Her Majesty, who spent 73 years of marriage with Prince Philip and who shared four children, eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren with him, sat alone during the service.

Queen Elizabeth II watches as pallbearers carry the coffin of Prince Philip, Duke Of Edinburgh into St George’s Chapel by the pallbearers during the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle on April 17, 2021 in Windsor, United Kingdom

Peter spoke of the heartbreaking image in a new interview with BBC, telling them: "Our thoughts immediately went to my grandmother. We've been trying to support her as much as we can.

"Everybody saw the image of Her Majesty sitting alone. It would have been the same for any other family, the hardest part is not being able to hug those closest to the person who's been lost."

Paying tribute to his late grandfather, Peter said: "Even though he was 99 years old, he lived a remarkable life and I think if any of us can even live half the life that he did, we would all be extraordinarily happy."

Prince Philip

Photo by Leon Neal/WPA Pool/Getty Images

He continued: "He was such a fixture in all of our lives and of course it's sad, of course we miss him."

Peter walked alongside his cousins Prince William and Prince Harry in the funeral procession at St George's Chapel in Windsor following Prince Philip's death at the age of 99 on 9 April.

Buckingham Palace confirmed the news of the duke's passing in a statement at the time, it read: "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. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."

Celebrity Writer

Roxy James is a freelance Celebrity Writer at GoodTo, covering all things royal, entertainment and reality TV. Be it the latest Royal Family happenings, behind-the-scenes gossip at Strictly Come Dancing or breaking engagement, divorce or baby news - Roxy has it covered.