Prince Philip: Royals have 'lost the family leader' says expert

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Margaret’s two children, Earl Snowdon and Lady Sarah Chatto, as well as her son-in-law David Chatto, made it onto the guestlist for Philip’s low-key funeral this weekend. Covid rules mean the send-off for the royal consort can only have 30 people in attendance, rather than the 800 originally planned. While Margaret’s children are not as well known as some other attendees, they were said to be close to their uncle.

Philip’s

relationship with the Queen’s sister was also positive, for the most part, and the Duke was particularly supportive when Margaret decided to marry a “commoner” — the royal photographer, Antony Armstrong-Jones.

Royal biographer Ingrid Seward claimed: “There was much tutting among the royal court about his suitability for the princess, but Philip was not part of the spiteful backchat and preferred to keep an open mind.”

He also went out of his way to welcome Margaret’s new husband into the royal fold, knowing how difficult it can be to adjust the unusual Palace life as a newcomer.

Ms Seward continued: “If proof of his loyalty to his sister-in-law were needed, Philip accompanied Princess Margaret down the aisle on her wedding day on Friday 6 May 1960.”

Margaret’s father, King George VI, died in 1952 in his sleep.

Having been incredibly close to George, Margaret’s decision to have Philip walk her down the aisle in his place suggested they had a strong bond.

But, Ms Seward also claimed the two had an apprehensive chat right before the ceremony, just as trumpets announced their arrival.

In her book, ‘Prince Philip Revealed’, Ms Seward claimed: “Philip turned to her and whispered, ‘Don’t know who is more nervous, you or me?

“‘Am I holding on to you or are you holding on to me?’”

Margaret then replied: “I am holding onto you.”

He allegedly also “paced up and down along the wide corridor of Clarence House, chivvying Margaret to hurry up as, being a naval man, he hated the thought of being late even by a few seconds”.

Noel Coward, a playwright who attended the service, later observed that Philip was “jocular and really very sweet and reassuring as he led the bride to the altar”.

Philip was also chosen to make a speech to the assembled 120 guests after the newlyweds had exchanged vows, which was “witty and amusing and most importantly brief”, according to the biographer.

However, the Duke of Edinburgh was said to become frustrated with Margaret upon occasion, due to her “exasperating” behaviour and lavish lifestyle.

Yet, he was keen not to say a bad word against her, knowing how much the Queen valued having her sister by her side, as well as her husband.

In the years since Margaret’s death in 2002, the Queen has been described as a “surrogate mother” to niece and nephew.

Earl Snowdon, who professionally goes by the name David Linley, and Lady Sarah used to go on holiday with the Queen, Philip and their children when they were growing up.

DON’T MISS
Margaret only royal who could wiggle out of royal Christmas tradition [INSIGHT]
Princess Margaret raised as ‘Queen’s equal twin’ by King George VI [EXPLAINED]
Philip’s courtship of Queen was ‘bittersweet’ to Princess Alice [EXPOSED]

The monarch, and her husband, were reportedly saddened when it emerged last February that Earl Snowdon was divorcing his wife of 25 years.

A friend explained: “David is very, very close to the Queen and Prince Charles.

“He goes to Sandringham at Christmas and turns up at Balmoral in the summer.

“He is George VI’s grandson and part of the inner circle of royals.

“But he is also Mr Non-grand Royal. He turns up on his bicycle wearing a high-vis jacket and gets mistaken for a traffic warden.”

His sister is said to be on particularly good terms with the Queen.

A royal insider told the Daily Mail: “The Queen adores Sarah and seeks out her company as often as possible.

“She is her absolute favourite younger royal.

“They are hugely at ease in each other’s company — much giggling can be heard when they are together.

“They share a sense of loyalty, fun, duty and the ridiculous.”

‘Prince Philip Revealed: A Man of His Century’ by Ingrid Seward was published by Simon & Schuster in 2020 and is available here.

Source: Read Full Article