PRINCE William has pulled out of a Bafta speech tonight in a sign of respect after the death of his grandfather Prince Philip.
The Duke of Cambridge was due to appear virtually at a ceremony this weekend to deliver a speech about the resilience of the film industry during the coronavirus pandemic.
Read our live blog for the very latest news on Prince Philip’s death…
But after Prince Philip‘s death yesterday, his nephew William decided he will no longer participate in the virtual event.
Today, a tearful Countess of Wessex visited the Queen with her husband Prince Edward and said the monarch had been “amazing”.
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.
As she left the castle, the Countess of Wessex spoke to reporters from the car driven by her husband, saying: “The Queen has been amazing.”
Prince Andrew was also pictured leaving Windsor Castle this morning.
Yesterday afternoon, Prince Charles was spotted leaving Windsor Castle after visiting the monarch following his father’s death.
Her Majesty, 94, shared a poignant photo of Philip in a heartfelt tribute to her “strength and guide”.
The Duke of Edinburgh had a strong bond with Prince William and Prince Harry.
He helped the brothers after their mum Diana died and acted as a mentor for younger members of the Royal Family.
One act which strengthened the bond between him and his grandsons was his involvement in Princess Diana’s funeral.
The brothers, then aged 15 and 12, and their father Prince Charles, had been staying with Philip and the Queen at their Balmoral estate in Aberdeenshire at the time of the fatal car crash in August 1997.
It comes as…
- Countess of Wessex says the Queen was ‘amazing’ during visit at Windsor Castle
- The Queen is set to sign off plans for her husband’s funeral today
- Queen to enter ‘8 days of mourning’ for Prince Philip
- The Duke of Edinburgh supported Harry and William after Diana’s death
- Monarch shares poignant photo of Philip as she talks of ‘deep sorrow’
- How Prince Philip’s early years saw him flee Corfu on a warship
- Prince Philip’s life in pictures
Philip is said to have offered the boys “gruff tenderness and outdoor activities like stalking and hiking to tire them out”.
Author Tina Brown said in her 2011 book The Diana Chronicles that the duke was “brilliantly effective with his grandsons” during the very difficult time.
And Philip also showed his support by walking alongside his family in the cortege at Diana’s funeral.
Royal author Ingrid Seward said William was reluctant to join his dad and uncle Charles Spencer, but Philip reportedly said: “If I walk, will you walk with me?”
She explained: “At first William flatly refused. Charles pleaded with him and said that it would be utterly wrong of him not to accompany them.
“Prince Philip weighed into the argument and eventually William agreed to take part – but only on the condition that his grandfather walked beside him.”
The Duke of Edinburgh passed away at Windsor Castle yesterday morning, Buckingham Palace announced just after midday.
A statement from the 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.”
