On April 9, the United Kingdom fell into a period of mourning; the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip passed away after being in ill health for quite a while. Although an anticipated event, the death of Prince Philip cast a melancholy shadow over the country as the citizens lamented over the loss of the husband of Queen Elizabeth.

While many obtain mixed feelings towards the way in which he conducted his many years of service, all could agree that the 99-year-old duke provided reassuring, old-fashioned stability for the country throughout his life. His passing generated a sense of emptiness in the hearts of the British, like a seemingly permanent piece of the puzzle was suddenly missing. The country expressed its grievances with commemorating memorials, somber reflections, and heartfelt condolences throughout a two-week period.

A little more than a week after his death, the Duke’s funeral transpired on April 17. The pandemic did not allow for a conventional royal funeral and elements such as the public’s presence was removed; however, the ceremony did not lack lavishness and proved to be a successful tribute to the Duke’s life.

Prince Philip’s death occurred amid the controversy surrounding the royal family that ensued from the bombshells dropped during the Oprah interviews with Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle. The interview revealed the previously unacknowledged racism that exists within the most prominent echelon of British society and the discrimination that Meghan Markle has encountered as the only bi-racial member of the family. Speculations raised within the media, conjecturing on whether or not Prince Harry would be attending the funeral of his grandfather among the altercations. On the day of the ceremony, the public observed in intrigue as the two brothers, Prince William and Prince Harry, solemnly followed behind their grandfather’s coffin in the procession to the church. The meeting between the two seemed amiable in a rather gloomy setting, so the media surmises that perhaps the funeral mended their relationship to an extent.

Also, in attendance at the chapel was of course Prince Philip’s doting wife, Queen Elizabeth the II. The public observed the forlorn queen sitting alone, undeniably reflecting over her seventy-three years of marriage to the deceased prince. The two married in 1947 as the country recovered from the devastating aftermath of World War II; the wedding was the epitome of regal, complete with horse-drawn carriages and ornate and exorbitant decorations. The compatible couple remained a symbol of love, loyalty, and perseverance for the United Kingdom throughout their enduring marriage. Seeing Queen Elizabeth mourning the loss of her husband alone in such a vulnerable state was truly a heart-breaking image for those who revere the royal family, as well as for those who do not.