Prince Edward has called Queen Elizabeth II's death "far more emotional" due to its close proximity to Prince Philip's death.
The Duke of Edinburgh, 60, said the death of his mother one year after his father made it “far more emotional” for the Royal Family.
Prince Edward, who lost his mother 17 months after losing his father, said that the outpouring of support following the death of Queen Elizabeth II was "overwhelming”.
His comments came while he deputised for King Charles as Lord High Commissioner at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland on Saturday, where he welcomed the newly elected Moderator, Reverend Dr Shaw James Paterson.
Prince Edward's mother Queen Elizabeth II died in September 2022
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As he addressed the Edinburgh assembly, the duke spoke of the support he received from royal chaplains following the death of his mother.
The late monarch died in September 2022 at Balmoral, ending a 70-year reign and sparking tributes and memorials across the country.
But Edward said the death of his father, Prince Philip, in 2021, made his mother’s death “far more emotional”.
The duke explained: “For my own part, I just want to pay personal tribute to the chaplains of the Chapels Royal and especially those here in Scotland.
Prince Edward photographed with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 2014
PA
“There have been moments recently where I have been lucky to have sensed God’s care and love.
“And who could forget the scenes that followed the passing of my mother?
“The outpouring of emotions, the demonstration of respect, love and grief was overwhelming and a privilege to experience and behold.
“I think I can speak for my whole family when I say we will remain forever grateful for that support.”
Prince Edward attending Prince Philip's funeral in April 2021
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Prince Edward photographed at Queen Elizabeth II's funeral
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He added he was “really touched and comforted” by how chaplains helped the Royal Family “behind closed doors and away from the public gaze and the scrutiny”.
Edward continued: “I know it’s part of the job description, so perhaps I shouldn’t have been surprised, yet it is not necessarily what they did, it’s how they did it. Here were centuries of tradition, of rituals long practised, of prayer, of care and of comfort.”
Responding to the Duke of Edinburgh’s address, Dr Paterson asked him to urge the King, who has been diagnosed with cancer, to “take the time he needs before he gets up to full speed”.
He added: “His health is important, and we will be praying for him and all who have got health concerns.”
