The News
Royal Family Pays Tribute to Prince Philip at Funeral Service
Members of the royal family gathered at St George's Chapel on Saturday, April 17, to honor the life and legacy of Prince Philip, who passed away on April 9 at the age of 99.
The Duke of Edinburgh, the longest-serving British consort in royal history, was remembered by his beloved relatives during the solemn ceremony.
Among them, the Duchess of Cambridge stood out by wearing significant royal family heirlooms to keep both the Queen and the late Princess Diana close to her heart.
Arriving at St George's Chapel in Windsor with her husband Prince William, the Duchess donned an elegant black Roland Moret ensemble, paired with a black face mask.
Her choice of attire included the iconic Japanese pearl choker necklace, a piece commissioned by the Queen herself using pearls gifted by the Japanese government.
Notably, the late Princess Diana had previously worn this exquisite necklace to a state banquet in 1982.
Catherine borrowed the necklace to celebrate the Queen's 70th wedding anniversary to Prince Philip, symbolizing a poignant tribute.
In addition to the pearl choker, the Duchess accessorized with a pair of pearl earrings believed to be the Queen's Bahrain pearl drop earrings.
These earrings, made from pearls gifted to the Queen by the Hakim of Bahrain, held sentimental value as Catherine had worn them on previous occasions, including Trooping the Colour in 2019.
Her choice to wear these pieces at Prince Philip's funeral added an extra layer of significance to her outfit.
Sporting a veiled fascinator, the Duchess made yet another striking sartorial choice that echoed the late Princess of Wales' iconic style.
Despite their six-decade age gap, Catherine and Prince Philip shared a special bond characterized by a similar sense of humor and dedication to duty.
Their camaraderie was evident during royal gatherings, where they exchanged jokes and shared light-hearted moments.
A touching photo captured the Duchess laughing heartily at a comment made by Philip, showcasing their warm relationship.
Prince William, in his tribute to his grandfather following his passing, expressed gratitude for the bond shared between his wife and grandfather.
He highlighted the years Catherine had to get to know Prince Philip, emphasizing the kindness he showed her.
Interestingly, Catherine had a meaningful connection to her future grandfather-in-law even before meeting William, having completed her Duke of Edinburgh award alongside Philip and the Queen during a day of royal engagements in Leicester in 2012.
At the funeral service in St George's Chapel, the Duchess was among the first to arrive, joining Prince William and other members of the royal family for the intimate gathering restricted to 30 guests due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Her Majesty the Queen led her four children – Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward – in paying their respects to Prince Philip.
Also in attendance were spouses of Charles, Anne, and Edward, along with royal cousins and family members, creating a somber yet united front to bid farewell to the Duke of Edinburgh.
In conclusion, the royal family came together to honor Prince Philip's remarkable life and legacy during a poignant funeral service at St George's Chapel.
The Duchess of Cambridge's heartfelt tribute through her choice of attire and accessories reflected the deep connection she shared with both the Queen and the late Princess Diana.
As the royal family mourned the loss of Prince Philip, they found solace in their shared memories and bonds, reaffirming their commitment to upholding his legacy and values.