Moment Prince Harry and Meghan Markle sparked fury at Prince Philip’s funeral
Prince Philip died in April 2021
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle orchestrated an elaborate tribute for Prince Philip on the day of his funeral.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had an eye-catching floral wreath put together to honour the late Duke of Edinburgh. Unfortunately, this didn’t go down well.
Royal author Robert Lacey claims that this was far from what Prince Philip would have wanted.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s tribute to Prince Philip
A touching funeral service followed the death of Prince Philip, who died on April 9 in 2021.
Prince Philip’s funeral took place days later, on April 17 2021, just weeks after Harry and Meghan sat down for a tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey where they accused The Firm of mistreating them.
Just stick me in the back of a Land Rover and drive me to Windsor.
Despite the Covid restrictions which were in place at the time, Prince Philip’s requests went ahead as planned with, of course, some alterations.
The Duke of Edinburgh had reportedly made clear that he wanted “no fuss” at his funeral. He had also reportedly said of the arrangements: “Just stick me in the back of a Land Rover and drive me to Windsor.”
The prince even had arrangements made in advance. He had picked out a vehicle 18 years before his death, according to Buckingham Palace.
Prince Philip wanted ‘no fuss’ at his funeral
The late prince chose a customised Land Rover hearse. He had it repainted in dark bronze green, a shade used for military Land Rovers, as a nod to his military background.
His naval cap, sword and a flag representing his Greek and Danish heritage decorated his coffin, alongside flowers chosen by his wife the queen.
The intimate service was attended by just 30 guests due to Covid restrictions.
Meghan Markle was absent. The duchess had been advised not to travel as she was six-months pregnant with daughter Lilibet at the time.
Author Robert Lacey explained how the floral display from Harry and Meghan was accompanied by a press release, a move that raised eyebrows.
Harry and Meghan’s ‘unconventional’ floral wreath at Prince Philip’s funeral
He went on to explain to MailOnline: “The Dean of Windsor was just addressing the final commendation to the congregation in the chapel when journalists’ phones started to ping. Just before the end of the funeral service it was another tweet from Omid Scobie passing on Harper’s Bazaar’s report on the ‘sentimental tribute’ from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.”
The post read: “BAZAAR.com can confirm that Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan contributed a custom wreath that was laid in honour of the Duke of Edinburgh at his funeral service at Windsor Castle today. A card, handwritten by Meghan herself, also accompanied the wreath.”
Lacey continued: “The Sussexes’ wreath could be seen leaning among the other eight simple white and green family tributes in St George’s Chapel. Propped against the stalls on either side of the Duke’s coffin.
“It had already attracted some attention on account of its unconventional and rather autumnal pink-ish brown flowers.”
One social media user described the floral arrangement as a “party wreath” adding: “It’s not really a funeral wreath at all.”
Meaning of flowers from Harry and Meghan
Lacey explained how the duke and duchess had chosen their favourite Cotswolds florist to handpick locally sourced flowers.
The wreath included Bear’s breeches, the national flower of Greece, to represent Prince Philip’s birthplace.
It was also trimmed with Sea Holly, as a nod to Philip’s connection with the Royal Marines.
These choices were detailed in the press release.
It read: “The wreath also features campanula for gratitude and everlasting love, rosemary to signify remembrance, lavender for devotion and roses in honour of June being Philip’s birth month.”
‘It’s all quite sickening’
Prince Harry and Meghan’s floral display was also said to be accompanied by a handwritten message from the duchess.
“She just can’t help herself,” was a response that seemed to resonate with many, Lacey said. “‘Me, me, me.’ It’s all quite sickening.”
Despite criticism, some fans also defended the duke and duchess online.
One user penned at the time: “If it had transpired that Meghan had NOT sent a wreath, what would you say then?”
Read more: Queen Elizabeth II’s ‘true feelings’ about Charles and Camilla’s marriage
So, what do you think? Do you think the flowers were appropriate? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @RoyalInsiderOfficial
