Queen of England, Who Lost Husband Prince Philip, Says "A Big Hole in Life"

Prince Harry Also Attends Funeral

Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] It has been reported that the death of the Duke of Edinburgh in the UK has left "a huge hole in life."

On the 11th (local time), according to the BBC and The Guardian, Prince Andrew, the Queen and Duke's second son, made this statement after attending a service at the Royal Chapel of All Saints near Windsor Castle. The Duke of Edinburgh passed away on the 9th, just over two months before his 100th birthday.

Prince Andrew said of the Queen, "She is grieving more than anyone else but considers it a 'miracle' that the Duke passed away peacefully at home rather than in a hospital." He added, "The Queen's fortitude is unbelievably strong," and explained, "The family is gathering to support him."

The youngest, Prince Edward, said, "(The Duke of Edinburgh's death) is terrible no matter how much you prepare for it."

The Duke's funeral will be held on the 17th at St. George's Chapel within Windsor Castle as a royal funeral. Due to COVID-19 prevention guidelines, attendance is limited to a maximum of 30 people, so it will be conducted mainly with the royal family.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed his intention to abstain from attending to allow more members of the royal family to participate. The Guardian predicted, "The Queen will limit attendees to her children, grandchildren, and their spouses."

Attention is also focused on whether Prince Harry and his wife, who have had conflicts with the royal family, will attend the funeral. The couple, who declared their separation from the royal family last year, claimed in a CBS interview last month that they experienced racism within the royal family.

Buckingham Palace announced the day before that Prince Harry will attend the funeral, but Meghan Markle, who is pregnant with their second child, will not attend following her doctor's advice. It is expected that Prince William and Prince Harry will walk side by side behind the coffin during the funeral.