Mourners were told to stay away... but came anyway to say a dignified farewell
ON THE way to Windsor Castle yesterday the electronic road signs could not have been clearer: “Do not gather at royal residences.”
But Britons came in their thousands, full of dignity and determined to defy the April chill, to pay their respects to the outspoken grandfather of the nation.
Young and old, they shrugged off another bit of official advice by laying bouquet after bouquet, plastic wrapping removed at the request of the stewards, outside the gates at the end ofWindsor’s serene LongWalk.
It was here just three years ago that tens of thousands cheered Prince Harry and his bride Meghan as they drove off to a new future under glorious spring sunshine.
Yesterday the crowds came wrapped up against a biting north wind for a much sadder duty – to honour Prince Philip outside the castle where he died.
The well-wishers were in smaller numbers this time due to Covid restrictions but the quiet flow of respectful visitors was constant. It poured past Windsor Castle where the Royal Standard still flew at full mast – a symbol of the endurance of the monarchy. It swept past the rambling red roses of The Two Brewers pub, which displayed photographs of the Duke in his prime in a naval uniform and as a smiling patriarch in his 70s.And it flowed up the LongWalk through parkland dotted with spring flowers. As the bouquets built up, so the reverence for Prince Philip and the Royal Family became more evident despite recent controversies triggered by Harry and Meghan’s interview with OprahWinfrey.
Among the crowds were Canadians, Australians, Chinese and Britons of African and Asian descent.
Nurse Obi Liya, 26, from Kingston-uponThames, Surrey, said: “Prince Philip was my favourite royal. He was such a character. I did mind him being outspoken but thought it was just a part of his character. He always made me smile.”
Her friend Patrick Whitcomb, 26, from near Woking, in Surrey, who serves in the Royal Navy, said: “Prince Philip represented the head of the Royal Navy. He was one of our own. He had a character that stood out from what you might expect from a member of the Royal Family. He went against the grain. He showed you can be outspoken, you can think outside the box and not toe the line in every situation.”
Tobias James, 25, from Windsor, came with his Australian girlfriend, Alex Lewis, 26, and said: “I feel really sorry for the Queen, losing her partner of 73 years.
“He was a war hero and gave up everything to serve. He put himself second. “In the modern age, when so many people of our generation do not seem to care about the monarchy, it is important for us to take the trouble to pay our respects and underline the importance of the Crown.” In truth most of the crowd was aged under 50 – possibly because older generations were shielding.Among the youngsters were Adele Clarke, seven, her brother Danny, five, and their cousin Grace Holland, four, who had travelled from Gloucester. Adele’s mother Tara, 36, said: “She really loves the Royal Family. She knows all the history. Queen Victoria is her favourite.” Adele, clearly thrilled to be taking part, grinned: “Prince Philip was nice, a lovely man. He helped the Queen lead the
country and gave good service. He was also very funny.”
Retired civil servant Gary Lucas from Reading, 62, who was carrying a bouquet of yellow roses, said completing a bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award as a schoolboy set him on the path to working with charities.
He said: “I have always had a deep respect for the Duke. Some people criticise what they described as ‘gaffes’ but I felt he always spoke his mind. He came across as a very
genuine person. He was so totally supportive of the Queen, especially in the last couple of decades when they have not had a very good time.When I was at school I was involved in the D of E Awards, so throughout my life it has felt like he has always been there.”
Also carrying flowers was Ranjit Kaur, 40, from Windsor, who works in software. She said: “He was a man of honour. He is a good example to men of all generations. He showed there is nothing wrong with
supporting your wife because the whole world is commending him for doing just that.” Also there were the Chen family, who are originally from Shanghai but have lived in London for many years.
Their daughter Emma, nine, and son Alfred, 11, brought homemade cards commemorating the Duke.
Emma said: “We came today to pay tribute to Prince Philip. I feel sorry for the Queen. It must be hard if your husband passes away.” Among the spread of roses, tulips, daisies and lilies were many touching messages. Below a child’s drawing of Prince Philip in a top hat and the Queen in a golden crown and a purple dress was a message from Betsy, aged nine: “You will be in our hearts…Enjoy heaven.”
Another child’s card, written in NHS rainbow colours, simply said: “Thank you HRH Prince Philip.”
Fluttering beside the Union flags were Canadian flags with their red maple leaf. One accompanied a card saying: “He was a great man who dedicated his life to the Queen and his country.”
Another card said: “Your steadfast reserve has stiffened the backbone of this country in difficult times.You will be much missed.”
Nine-year-old Sophie wrote: “What a beautiful life your husband lived. I am sorry for your loss.”
And a nautical cap with gold braid on its peak carried a message that perhaps explains why so many were willing to defy bitterly cold weather, Covid restrictions and official advice.
It just said: “You were an example to us all.”