Prince Philip: Expert on why sovereign flag isn't at half mast

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The Duke of Edinburgh, who the Queen once described as her “strength and stay”, died on April 9 aged 99. Sources close to the royals have suggested the rest of the family will support Her Majesty now her husband has passed away.

Royal sources said that while Philip is “irreplaceable” and Her Majesty’s “dedication to duty is undiminished”, officials have been prepared for supporting the Queen.

One source said: “Senior officials and members of the family have long had an eye on ensuring she is more supported in the future and it seems sensible to start employing this now.”

Another added: “If one parent dies the children – and in this case, grandchildren – all step up and fill in in different ways.

“No single individual could ever take place of the Duke of Edinburgh, but just maybe all of them coming together will fill some of the space he has left behind.”

Speaking to the Daily Mail, sources said plans have long been in place to ensure Her Majesty will be accompanied by a member of the Royal Family.

One source told the outlet: “The long-term planning has long been that she should have a member of the Royal Family with her as well whenever possible or appropriate.

“It’s a question now of bringing that forward slightly. If you look back at the pandemic, much of the work of the Royal Family has already been led by Prince Charles, Camilla, Prince William and Catherine.

“It is very practical way of supporting the Queen. Her Majesty really values that and doesn’t take it for granted. That will continue.

“But we will see senior family members take up more investitures and some of the more physically burdensome duties the Queen has, as well as going out and about with her when she leaves a royal residence.”

The Queen herself said on her 2012 Diamond Wedding anniversary to Philip he was a source of “constant strength”.

Speaking at her 1997 Golden Anniversary, Her Majesty also said: “He is someone who doesn’t take easily to compliments but he has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years.”

Lord Charteris, the Queen’s former private secretary, told author Gyles Brandreth: “Prince Philip is the only man in the world who treats the Queen simply as another human being.

“He’s the only man who can. Strange as it may seem, I believe she values that.”

In the wake of Philip’s death, the Palace issued a statement paying tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh.

It said: “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.

“Further announcements will be made in due course.

“The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”

Other royals have since spoke about Philip, with Prince Charles saying he misses his “dear papa”.

He said: “My dear Papa was a very special person who I think above all else would have been amazed by the reaction and the touching things that have been said about him and from that point of view we are, my family, deeply grateful for all that.

“It will sustain us in this particular loss and at this particularly sad time. Thank you.”

Prince William said of his grandfather: “I will always be grateful that my wife had so many years to get to know my grandfather and for the kindness he showed her.”

Prince Harry added in a separate statement: “He was authentically himself, with a seriously sharp wit, and could hold the attention of any room due to his charm – and also because you never knew what he might say next.”

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