A calm & reflective goodbye

IN keeping with the man himself who so famously eschewed fuss, this was a very different royal goodbye.

Social distancing meant it was a quiet, understated crowd of wellwishers who arrived at Windsor Castle yesterday.

The low-key scenes were a marked departure from the crowds and sea of flowers more usually seen at such occasions.

Instead, the atmosphere outside Prince Philip’s home was reflective.

A steady stream of visitors passed through the Long Walk, laying tributes and enjoying a moment of contemplation before being politely asked to step back.

Most wore masks and paused only briefly at Clarence Gate.

Among them was six-year-old Mariya Arsiwala, who laid flowers with sister Ruqaiya, four. Mariya said: “We hope they cheer up the Queen. She must be very sad.”

Her mum Ummul, 35, said she and husband Qusai, 37, brought their children to teach them about “respect, duty and sacrifice”.

Local resident Averil Skinner, 75, said: “I used to stroll down the Long Walk and he would often pass in his coach. He always smiled and said good morning.”

And Holly Mortimer, 14, from Sandhurst, Berks, said she wanted to pay tribute after gaining confidence through the Duke of Edinburgh award.

She said: Earning my bronze and everything that came with it inspired me to push out of my comfort zone.”