Princess Anne has said ‘life will be completely different’ without Prince Philip following his death aged 99.
The royal reflected on her father’s life with brother Prince Edward after the Duke of Edinburgh passed away ‘peacefully’ at Windsor Castle this morning.
Speaking to ITV, she said his role as Prince consort ‘must have evolved quite dramatically’ over the years.
‘It took a while to find people who understood he had extraordinary experience and skills that they could make use of’, she said. But her father ‘found ways to make an impact’.
Princess Anne said: ‘In all sorts of ways [life would be different without him], in terms of within our family it’s fundamental as without him it would be completely different.
‘But I think also from society’s perspective – he’s been able to keep pace with the kind of technological changes that have such an impact… but at the bottom of all that, it’s not about the technology it’s about the people.’
Meanwhile, Prince Edward said he remembered the duke ‘as any son would hopefully remember their father, as someone who was always there, who was always encouraging, but actually never pushing’.
Speaking of his parents’ loving relationship, the Earl of Wessex, added: ‘My parents have been such a fantastic support to each other during all those years and all those events and all those tours and events overseas.
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‘To have someone that you confide in and smile about things that you perhaps could not in public. To be able to share that is immensely important.’
It comes after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle paid tribute to Philip tonight, saying he will be ‘greatly missed’.
A message on their Archewell website reads: ‘In loving memory of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. 1921-2021. Thank you for your service… you will be greatly missed.’
The couple, who are expecting their second child, were the first members of the Royal Family to release a separate statement. They have removed all other information from their website.
The Duke of Edinburgh will not receive a state funeral, but instead lie in rest at Windsor Castle before a ceremony at St George’s Chapel, in line with his wishes.
Flags will fly at half-mast on UK Government buildings in tribute to the royal from now until the morning after his funeral.
The Ministry of Defence said the gun salutes will be fired tomorrow at Cardiff Castle, Edinburgh Castle and Hillsborough Castle in Belfast, as well as in Gibraltar.
They will also be fired at two locations in London – Woolwich Barracks and HM Tower of London – at HM Naval Base Devonport and HM Naval Base Portsmouth, and on ships at sea including HMS Diamond and HMS Montrose.
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