They will be forever in their hearts. Many members of the royal family spoke out after Prince Philip’s death at the age 99 in April 2021.
Five months after the Duke of Edinburgh’s death, England’s BBC network produced a new documentary to celebrate his life and legacy. The Prince Philip: The Royal Family Recalls Special featured interviews on televised televisionQueen Elizabeth II and Philip’s four adult children, eight adult grandchildren and other family members to share fond memories about the Greece native’s life, career and memory.
“He’s always been a huge presence behind everything we’ve done, really,” Prince WilliamIn a trailer for the film, he said.
The documentary was created initially to celebrate his 100th birthday. Interviews were also filmed before and during his death.
“What you see is what you got with my grandfather. He was unapologetically him,” Prince HarryThe televised special recalled the items.
The BBC film is not the first time the royals have honored or paid tribute to Philip’s legacy. The U.K. television debut was weeks away Prince Philip: The Royal Family Recalls, In his honor, the royals commissioned a new lifeboat.
“With the naming of ‘Duke of Edinburgh’, the RNLI honour HRH’s lifelong commitment to maritime services and his @royalnavy career,” a statement posted on the royal family’s official Instagram account read that September. “Having trained at Dartmouth, The Duke went on to become one of @royalnavy youngest First Lieutenants, and saw active service in WWII.”
Buckingham Palace first confirmed the news of the consort’s death on April 9, 2021.
“It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced 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,” a statement readIt was at that time. “The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss. Further announcements will be made in due course.”
Shortly after Philip’s death, Harry released a lengthy statement of his own, honoring his beloved late grandfather, noting Philip was a “legend” and always “authentically himself.”
“My grandfather was a man of service, honour and great humour. 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,” the BetterUp Chief Impact Officer wrote in a statement obtained by Us Weekly at the time. “He will be remembered as the longest reigning consort to the Monarch, a decorated serviceman, a Prince and a Duke. But to me, like many of you who have lost a loved one or grandparent over the pain of this past year, he was my grandpa: master of the barbecue, legend of banter, and cheeky right ‘til the end.”
The family gathered at Windsor Castle to celebrate his passing shortly after his death. Queen Elizabeth is also present. Prince Charles, Camilla, DuchessThe Duke of Cambridge Duchess KateAlong with other close family members, the Duke of Sussex and Harry were also present. Harry’s wife, Meghan Markle, was absent since she was pregnant with their second child, staying back in California with the pair’s son Archie.
Scroll down to see the tributes Prince Philip has received from the royals since his death.