On Saturday, the royal family gathered at Windsor Castle for the funeral of Prince Philip, who died on April 9 at the age of 99.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it was a more underrated case than usual, with only 30 mourners and a scaled-down military march.
But according to royal historian Marlene Koenig, the late Duke of Edinburgh would have approved.
“That was what he wanted, even though it’s slim,” she told Page Six. “He wanted it to have its own personality, and even the hearse designed of a Land Rover that looked almost like a luxury pickup.”
Koenig pointed to the presence of Prince Philip’s beloved chariot and ponies as another of the ‘sweet touches’ that reflected his life and interests.
As for the lack of praise? The choice was made “for the simple reason that he did not want it to really focus on him,” Koenig said. “There are so many achievements, but I think he was pleased that the death writers had to leave it at that, and that the ceremony was a reflection of his Christian faith and the simplicity of his own life.”
Guests at the funeral also brought their own special symbolism to the proceedings – especially Kate Middleton, who wore a four-string Japanese pearl joker from the Queen collection, along with earrings of pearls that received her majesty as a wedding gift when she married Prince . Philip in 1947.
“She looked very elegant and she sent a very subtle symbol that this necklace and these earrings are a part of Philip’s life with the Queen,” the royal historian said.
One meaningful gesture that Koenig said may have fallen flat stems from the wreath Meghan Markle sent along with a handwritten ticket for the ceremony.
The Duchess of Sussex, who is expecting a baby girl, stayed at home because she reportedly ‘did not want to be the center of attention’.
Instead, she sent a wreath of local and highly symbolic flowers – including flowers depicting Prince Philip’s Greek heritage, month of birth and more – set out in a press release, a move Keonig called ‘unusual’.
‘The royal family does not usually say,’ Well, that [wreath’s] of Charles, this of Andrew, this of Beatrice, ”she told us. “I think it drew some attention to them rather than saying nothing … The original statement that her doctor advised her not to go was the best way to go.”
Koenig added that ‘the only interesting wreath was the one placed on Queen Elizabeth’s coffin; A personal note from her inside her. ‘
There was also a lot of talk about the estranged brothers Prince William and Prince Harry’s seemingly friendly chat after the funeral. Lip readers even tried to decipher exactly what the future king and his little brother were talking about. However, Koenig believes this is just the beginning of a potential reconciliation for the couple.
“I think it will take more than a walk up the hill to the private apartments of Windsor Castle for William and Harry to sit down and discuss all the issues and alleged issues,” she explained, adding that she felt Harry should consider staying in. city for his grandmother’s 95th birthday Wednesday to spend more time with his family.
“They should talk to each other,” she said.
