The "great void" of Elizabeth II after the death of Prince Philip
Emotions run high for the British regent after the death two days ago of her husband, 99, at Windsor Castle.
It is rare for Queen Elizabeth II to show her feelings in public. However, the emotion is very present since the death, Friday April 9, 2021, of her husband, Prince Philip. Her death, two months before her 100th birthday, leaves "a great void" in the life of the regent, their son Andrew reported after a commemorative mass on Sunday. The Duke of Edinburgh, husband of the British Queen for 73 years, patriarch of the royal family, was a man renowned for his strong character, his outspokenness, but also his dedication to the Queen and to the country. He passed away "peacefully" two days ago at Windsor Castle, West London.
The Queen "described it as a big void in her life," said Andrew, interviewed by British television after a mass in Windsor. "He was a remarkable man, I loved him as you love a father," added Andrew, 61, who has not held public office since 2019 due to his friendly ties with the late American financier Jeffrey Epstein, accused of trafficking in minors. His brother Prince Edward, 57, described for his part "a terrible shock" that the family "is trying to accept". The day before, the heir to the crown, Charles, 72, had confided that his “dear daddy” missed him “enormously”.
The return of Prince Harry, without his wife, Meghan
While the public has been urged not to gather due to the pandemic, tributes have been held since the Duke of Edinburgh's death, with cannon fire across the UK on Saturday and minutes of silence in stadiums . On Sunday, Archbishop Justin Welby, spiritual leader of the Anglicans, called for prayers for the grieving royal family during a memorial mass at Canterbury Cathedral. The funeral of the prince, organized next Saturday, causes the return to the United Kingdom of Prince Harry, exiled in the United States since his resounding withdrawal from royalty, which raises hopes of reconciliation for a family whose dissensions have erupted in broad daylight.
In the midst of a pandemic, only 30 people will be present at the ceremony which will take place at Windsor Castle. The four children of Prince Philip and Elizabeth II (Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward) and their spouses and children are expected to attend. Harry will be from California. In contrast, his wife, Meghan, 39, who is expecting her second child this summer, will remain in the United States. Her doctor advised her not to travel to the UK, Buckingham Palace said.
