Sorrowful moment at the sea of flowers
CONFRONTED BY thousands of floral tributes, the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall are caught in a moment of emotional reflection yesterday as they remembered the life of the Duke of Edinburgh.
Charles and Camilla made their first joint public appearance since Philip’s death when they visited Marlborough House – the home of the
Commonwealth – in central London, where floral tributes laid at the gates of Buckingham Palace are brought each evening.
The heir to the throne and his wife were pictured stopping to look at the bouquets of flowers left by those wanting to honour the Duke.
Items left in tribute include a model of a Land Rover similar to the one that will bear Philip’s coffin tomorrow, with the words “The Duke R.I.P” on the roof.
Next to it, a card from “Marian & Marum” read: “Your memory will never fade. Rest in peace.”
Another read: “Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow. You are in our prayers.”
One card quoted the Queen’s famous comment about her husband: “We are so sorry for your profound loss, Your
Majesty’s ‘strength and stay’ will endure in our hearts always.”
The public had been urged not to lay flowers to prevent any possible breach of Covid-19 guidelines and instead were asked to consider a donation to charity – but many have still decided to leave bouquets.
Meanwhile, the Earl of Wessex has thanked holders and participants of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and the International Award, for sharing their memories of his father, who died at the age of 99 on Friday last week.
Edward said: “He may have departed this world but his spirit and ethos lives on through his award, through each and every life touched, transformed, inspired – then, now and in the future.”