Prince Philip: Farage predicts royals' popularity will increase

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The Duke of Edinburgh, 99, was released from hospital on March 16 following a month-long stay and spent his final three-and-a-half weeks at Windsor Castle. He managed to connect with Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward in Covid-secure meetings arranged by palace aides. However, a decision was taken to not include any of his eight grandchildren or 10 great-grandchildren as none of them have been inoculated.

According to The Telegraph, multiple sources said “super-distanced meetings” had taken place at the castle between Philip and his sons and daughter.

There were also reports of “conversations through open windows”.

A royal source said: “He was able to physically see his children because they have all been vaccinated, but sadly not his grandchildren, because they have not yet received the jab.”

The Queen, 94, and her husband were given Covid vaccines in early January, administered by a household doctor at Windsor Castle.

And the following month Clarence House revealed that the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall had been vaccinated.

During his hospital stay, the seriousness of his condition was laid bare for the public when Charles, 72, made the journey from Highgrove to central London to visit his father.

The heir to the throne was whisked to a rear entrance of King Edward VII hospital where he spent about half an hour with his dad.

His visit on February 21 was permitted under the “exceptional circumstances” rule.

Despite the palace asking mourners not to come to royal residences and lay flowers, crowds began turning up at Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace shortly after the news broke yesterday.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex were filmed driving from the Castle this morning after spending an hour inside.

Sophie thanked well-wishers who lined the street.

She told one member of the public: “The Queen has been amazing.”

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While palace officials have remained tight-lipped about the exact circumstances surrounding Philip’s death, The Telegraph reported that the monarch was by her husband’s side when he passed away.

As she grieves, the Queen now has the difficult task of deciding who should attend the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral.

Only 30 people, in addition to the clergy, will be allowed to be present, according to current coronavirus guidelines.

It was originally planned for 800 guests in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, but will now have to take into account the strict limit on numbers during the pandemic.

Those who will undoubtedly be present include the Queen’s four adult children and their spouses.

Some – if not all – of the duke’s eight grandchildren are also expected to be in attendance.

The Duchess of Cambridge, as a future queen, will also be among the mourners.

Prince Harry is widely expected to jet in from California for the sombre affair.

Reports suggest he may use a diplomatic exemption to avoid having to quarantine in the UK upon arrival.

Meghan is not thought to be planning on joining him as she is heavily pregnant.

The duchess, 39, is believed to be due her second baby in June, having told Oprah the expected date is in “the summertime”.

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