Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
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» Eugenie’s emotional message to late Duke Queen does duty to meet Lord Chamberlain
PRINCESS Eugenie has delivered an emotional tribute to her grandfather Prince Philip, vowing: “We will look after the Queen for you.”
The Queen’s granddaughter said she would remember his “spectacular life”, as she shared two pictures of herself alongside the Duke of Edinburgh, who passed away last Friday at Windsor Castle at the age of 99.
Eugenie said she “would remember learning how to cook, how to paint, what to read” as well as her grandpa’s “favourite beer” and barbecuing ability – after her cousin Prince Harry this week crowned the Duke “King of the barbecue” in his eulogy.
The Queen, who lost her husband of 73 years on Friday, yesterday put duty first to welcome a new staff member.
Her Majesty had an audience with new Lord Chamberlain Andrew Parker after arranging a send-off for his predecessor Earl
Peel on Tuesday following his retirement. The former Director
General of MI5 officially took up the position as the most senior officer in the Royal Household on April 1.
The Queen also enjoyed her first horse racing winner since Philip’s death.
Tactical romped to victory in the Bet365 European Free Handicap at Newmarket. The three-year-old, trained by Andrew Balding, scored by a neck with champion flat jockey Oisin Murphy on board. John Warren, racing manager to the Queen, said she will now help decide which race Tactical will target at Royal Ascot this summer.
The seven senior members of the Royal Family including the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Earl and Countess of Wessex and Princess Anne, have all agreed to clear
their diaries to accompany the Queen on future engagements if requested.
A royal source said: “The whole family is of course united in their grief and also in their support of one another, but most importantly their duty towards the Queen.
“They all know the Queen is typically thinking of herself more than others but never has there been a more important
time to do what is right for her, not only as the monarch, but as a mother, a grandmother and family member.”
Eugenie posted the tribute on her personal Instagram page. In a further show of solidarity, the royals shared never-before-seen photos as they mourn the loss of Prince Philip.
One touching image taken by the Duchess of Cambridge shows the
Queen and Philip at Balmoral Castle in 2018 surrounded by seven of their greatgrandchildren including Princes Louis and George and Princess Charlotte.
Another tribute posted by Prince
Charles shows the heir with his father playing polo in 1966. Prince Harry has contacted his father, brother and cousins Beatrice and Eugenie since flying in from California on Sunday.
His grandpa’s funeral will be the first time he comes face to face with them since quitting his role in the family last year, and since he and wife Meghan’s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey.
A source said: “Despite everything that has gone on, everyone is hoping disputes will be parked for another day.
“This is about giving the Duke the send-off he deserves.”
The Duke of Edinburgh Award last night announced a new fund in memory of founder Philip.
The Living Legacy Fund will help a million more young people get a Dofe Award over five years.