I’ll walk behind coffin if you do, Philip told boys

PRINCE Philip helped persuade William and Harry to follow their mother’s coffin by promising on the eve of the funeral: ‘I’ll walk if you walk.’

Sir Malcolm Ross, the courtier responsible for planning the event, says the decision wasn’t made until the night before Princess Diana was laid to rest on September 6, 1997.

Clearly sensing his grandsons’ anguish, the Duke of Edinburgh offered to personally accompany them if they chose to walk behind the cortege to Westminster Abbey.

Sir Malcolm, one of the Queen’s most trusted aides, said: ‘The involvement of the princes on the day, we didn’t address until the last possible moment. It was at a family supper on the Friday night at Buckingham Palace. Prince Philip, after some discussion, said to the boys, “I’ll walk if you walk”.’