Prince Philip has attended the funeral of his late cousin Countess Mountbatten of Burma.
The 96-year-old royal was joined by members of his family – including his wife Queen Elizabeth, his sons Prince Charles and Prince Andrew, and his daughter Princess Anne – as he arrived at St Paul’s Church in Knightsbridge to mourn the loss of his relative, who passed away at her home in Mersham, Kent, earlier this month.
Prince Charles – who was also the godson of the Countess – was seen giving his parents a kiss on the cheek as he arrived at the ceremony, where he later gave an address to the 500 people who attended the service.
According to the Daily Telegraph newspaper, the service was around one hour long, and was attended by Countess Mountbatten’s sister Lady Pamela Hicks, as well as all six of her surviving children and grandchildren, including heir Nicholas Knatchbull.
Countess Mountbatten – who was also known as Patricia Knatchbull – was 93 years old when she passed away, and the news was broken in a statement released by her grieving family.
It read: "Patricia Mountbatten died peacefully on Tuesday 13 June at her home in Mersham, Kent, surrounded by her children."
Meanwhile Charles, the Prince of Wales, has spoken out about the loss of his "very special" late godmother, and he has admitted he is "deeply saddened" by the news of her death.
In a separate statement, the 68-year-old royal said: "I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of my very special godmother, Lady Mountbatten, whom I have known and loved ever since I can first remember. She played an extremely important part in my life and I shall miss her presence most dreadfully."
It was also reported that Philip and the Queen, 91, have shared their condolences "privately".
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said: "[The Queen and Prince Philip] privately passed on their condolences".
Prince Philip attends Countess Moutbatten’s funeral
