“In loving memory, Lilibet”

There were many emotional moments today at Prince Philip‘s funeral. From the clear emotion of all Royal Family members to the flowers personally picked by the Queen to be on his coffin. And a handwritten letter.

Only hours later it was made known – or rather confirmed – that it was a letter by the Queen to her husband and companion of over 73 years. In loving Memory, Lilibet, she wrote.

Lilibet, as we know, it’s the very personal nickname of the Queen. Only very few were allowed to address her like that, Prince Philip most of all. By using such an intimate signature to her husband, there was no crown, no protocol, no distance. It was simply a love letter, short and very moving.

According to journalists, Elizabeth II also carried a very dear photo with her, in her purse. It was taken of the young couple, as they were in Malta, in days that she’s already mentioned to be some of the happiest in her life.

Isolated due to the Covid-19 restrictions, and with a mask the whole time, Elizabeth II kept her head down so we could not see her feelings. She chose to wear her famous pearl necklace as well as the same brooch she wore at Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s wedding, the Richmond Royal.

In just a few days the Queen will be 95 years old, on April 21st. Philip would have turned 100 on June 10th.

Meghan Markle is said to also have sent a handwritten note, that was attached to the wreath she and Harry sent to the Chapel. As seen in the photo below, the wrath is full of meaning with flowers also chosen according to Meghan’s choice: Bear’s breeches (Greece’s national flower, representing Philip’s heritage), sea holly (representing the Royal Marines), campanula (for gratitude and everlasting love), rosemary (for remembrance), lavender (for devotion) and roses as a symbol for June, Philip’s birth month).

During the funeral, Prince Charles and the Countess of Essex were seen crying. But William and Harry, also moved, and had all eyes on themselves. They walked in not side by side, although when their cousin, Peter Philips, slowed his pace they actually walked almost shoulder to shoulder.

On the way out, though, Prince Harry was seen chatting with Kate Middleton and we could see Prince William asking him to walk back with the couple. Soon Kate discreetly left the brothers alone and they kept chatting, with no signs of major drama or coldness. For all the tension, they did put aside any hurt feelings and kept true to their commitment to respect their grandfather.