Royal Family LIVE: Harry & Meghan criticised for Philip statement - couple 'ignored' rule

Published date12 April 2021
Date12 April 2021
The source told The Daily Telegraph: “There’s a natural order here and they just ignored it by putting their own statement out, without telling anyone, before the Prince of Wales had even issued a response.

"Quite a few people read it and thought: 'Is that all they’ve got to say?'”

Prince Charles spoke of his "dear Papa" from his Gloucestershire home on Saturday, before Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Prince Andrew made comments on Sunday.

Meghan and Harry's statement on Friday read: “In loving memory of His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh, 1921-2021. Thank you for your service… you will be greatly missed."

Harry is returning to Britain for the first time since his and Meghan's explosive TV interview for Philip's funeral on Saturday.

The Queen's grandson is reported to have arrived in the UK from the US, but this has not been confirmed.

Pregnant Meghan will not join Harry as she has been advised against flying.

The Sussexes' controversial interview with Winfrey aired last month while Philip was in hospital.

FOLLOW BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES ON THE ROYAL FAMILY:

6.10am update: Prince Philip was ‘interested in UFOs’ and fascinated with aliens - former assistant

Prince Philip was fascinated with aliens and “interested” in UFOs, according to an assistant.

The Duke of Edinburgh died on April 9, at 99 years old. Sir Peter Horsley, a former assistant to Philip, shared stories of the Duke’s interest in alien activity. Sir Peter was Philip’s ‘equerry’ from 1949 to 1956.

Writing in his autobiography, Sounds from Another Room, the former aide said he was given “carte blanche” by Philip to collect stories about UFOs from the Royal Air Force.

Philip also asked Sir Peter to bring in witnesses of alien encounters to Buckingham Palace for private discussions.

5.05am update: Prince Philip ‘protected the Queen’ and once ‘kept her laughing for 20 minutes’

Prince Philip was a “fierce protector” of the Queen and has ensured throughout his life that he could “safeguard her person,” a royal expert has said.

The Duke of Edinburgh, the longest-reigning consort in history, was married to Queen Elizabeth II for 73 years.

As her husband, the Duke made sure Her Majesty was not disrespected and would become “incandescent” with anyone who took aim at her, according to royal biographer Gyles Brandreth.

4.15am update: Queen Elizabeth to have Royals rally with her after Prince Philip’s death - ‘All step up'

Queen Elizabeth II will see her fellow Royals “all step up” to support her following the death of Prince Philip, according to sources.

The Duke of Edinburgh, who the Queen once described as her “strength and stay”, died on April 9 aged 99. Sources close to the royals have suggested the rest of the family will support Her Majesty now her husband has passed away.

Royal sources said that while Philip is “irreplaceable” and Her Majesty’s “dedication to duty is undiminished”, officials have been prepared for supporting the Queen.

3.10am update: Queen Elizabeth to 'rely heavily' on close aide following Philip's death, says friend

Queen Elizabeth II’s aide and co-star in the 2012 Olympics sketch has been tipped to become the monarch’s new “rock” following the death of Prince Philip.

The Duke of Edinburgh, who the Queen once described as her “strength and stay”, died on April 9 aged 99.

After Buckingham Palace issued a statement telling of Her Majesty’s “deep sorrow, Paul Whybrew is deemed someone strong the Queen can rely on.

2.25am update: Prince Harry writing style in Philip tribute shows 'commitment to Britain' despite US move

Prince Harry's "commitment to Britain" is shown in his tribute to "legend of banter" Prince Philip, it has been suggested.

The Duke of Sussex paid homage to his grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh in a statement issued on Monday. He hailed Prince Philip as "a man of service, honour and great humour”.

The Duke added that the Queen’s husband “was my Grandpa: master of the barbecue, legend of banter, and cheeky right 'til the end”.

One Twitter user pointed out that Harry’s message denotes his allegiance to Britain.

NBC journalist Raf Sanchez wrote: “For those questioning Prince Harry's commitment to Britain: he is still putting U's in honor and humor.”

12.50am update: Prince Philip's secret life as Freemason – Duke's work in tight-lipped society remembered

The Freemasons have made an impassioned tribute to Prince Philip, one of their former members, following his death aged 99.

The Duke of Edinburgh passed away on Friday morning at Windsor Castle. He was the longest-serving royal consort in the history of the British monarchy.

A number of other Royal Family members have associations with The Freemasons.

In a statement the group said: “The Freemasons are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Prince Philip this morning and we extend our sincere condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family.

“His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh started his life in Freemasonry in 1952, at the age of 31.

“He was initiated into Navy Lodge, No 2612, on 5 December.

“On 6 March 1953, HRH Prince Philip progressed to the Second Degree of Freemasonry, before advancing to the Third Degree on 4 May 1953.

“The United Grand Lodge of England issued his Grand Lodge Certificate on 7 May that same year and he has remained a member to this day.”

11.40am update: Royal Family latest: Prince Philip's death 'was a surprise' despite Duke being ill

Prince Philip's death "was a...

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