This is the touching moment Prince Philip ‘secretly’ comforted Prince William at Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997.
A new documentary, Philip: Prince, Husband, Father, which is due to air at 9pm on ITV on Tuesday, is showing the scenes in which the late Duke of Edinburgh comforted his grandson by touching his back ‘when he thought the cameras couldn’t see them’.
The programme gives an intimate glimpse into life as the Queen’s husband, from colourised clips of the couple as newlyweds to more solemn moments in his life.
Prince Philip, Prince Charles, Prince William, and Prince Harry walked behind Princess Diana’s coffin on the 6th September 1997. This was when they were just 15 and 12.
Martin Palmer speaks in documentary. He co-founded The Alliance of Religions and Conservation alongside Prince Philip. Martin Palmer says William was quietly consoled by the Duke of Edinburgh, touching his chest when he didn’t think anyone could.
The touching moment when Prince Philip comforted Princess Diana at her funeral in 1997 is captured (pictured).
Philip: Prince Husband, Father is a new documentary that will air on ITV Tuesday at 9 p.m. It shows scenes where the Duke of Edinburgh consoled his son by touching his back “when he thought they couldn’t see them” during Princess Diana’s funeral.
‘There’s a moment where they go under the Horse Guards Parade Arch where it’s quite clear that Prince Philip – and I asked him about this he said, “Yes, I didn’t think the cameras could see us” – at that point he turns to William and comforts him,’ Martin says.
‘You’ve just got to watch that moment and realise here is a grandfather who is trying to help his young, very vulnerable grandson struggle through this awful awful moment,’ he adds.
Elsewhere, Martin explains that Prince Philip was keen to make sure the now Duke of Cambridge, 39, and Duke of Sussex, 37, did not grow up in a ‘dysfunctional’ family, the Telegraph reported.
Martin said on the program that Martin knew exactly what it felt like to live in dysfunctional families and tried to prevent this from happening to his grandchildren.
Martin Palmer, who was co-founder of The Alliance of Religions and Conservation (pictured), says that the Duke of Edinburgh comforted William quietly by touching his chest when he believed no one could.
Prince Philip walked with Prince Charles , Prince William and Prince Harry behind the coffin of Princess Diana during her funeral on 6 September 1997, when the young royals were only 15 and 12 (pictured)
Prince Philip said that the funeral was for the boys and offered his support by walking with them.
His biographer, Gyles Brandreth, said the Duke was not meant to take part, but did it as an act of grandfatherly kindness.
These princes would walk alongside their father, Prince Charles, and their uncle Earl Spencer, behind Diana’s hearses.
Ingrid Seward, a royal author, said William wasn’t keen to walk the first time. However, Philip said, ‘I will walk if I walk’. The Sun reported that this was what Philip said in April.
Concerned, Prince Philip offered to support his grieving grandsons by walking behind Diana’s coffin (pictured with Prince William on the day).
“At first William flatly rejected [to walk during the funeral]. Charles was pleading with her and stated that it would have been wrong for him to not accompany them.
“Prince Philip was a part of the debate and William eventually agreed to participate – with the condition that his grandfather walk beside him.”
‘Philip reportedly said: “It’s about the boys. They’ve lost their mother”,’ she added.
Prince William and Prince Harry reflect on the funeral of their mother in 2017 BBC Documentary Diana 7 Days.
Harry and William with the Duke Of Edinburgh during the Rugby World Cup Final in London, 31 October 2015.
William described how it was difficult for him to balance being Prince William with having to fulfill his bit and the private William, who wanted to cry after he lost his mother.
Harry later stated that no child should ever be required to follow their mother behind the coffin. In 2017, Harry said: “Generally speaking, I do not have an opinion about whether or not it was correct.” It was a great experience. Now that I look back, it is clear why I feel so grateful to have been a part of this.
Also, the Duke of Edinburgh helped to console princes following their mothers’ deaths.
Tina Brown wrote The Diana Chronicles 2011 and said that he provided them with ‘gruff tenderness, outdoor activities such as stalking and hiking’ to keep them tired.
Prince Harry and Prince William, along with Peter Phillips, walked to the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral coffin in April.
Philip: Father, Prince, Husband and Father will air at 9pm ITV Tuesday.