Meghan Markle Personally Paid Tribute To Prince Philip

Apr 18, 2021

Since Prince Philip's death on April 9, 2021, there have been a significant number of tributes and condolences pouring in. His singular and incredible life continues to be remembered and celebrated by his family. While Prince Harry attended his grandfather's funeral and is currently in the UK, his wife, Meghan Markle, was not able to attend Prince Philip's funeral.

According to Insider, this is because Meghan did not receive medical clearance to fly. Because Meghan is heavily pregnant and expecting her and Harry's second child, doctors have advised her to not fly to the UK, as such traveling during the pandemic would be risky for her and her unborn child.

Meghan is expected to deliver her second child sometime this summer, but the exact due date is still unknown. However, Meghan wished of course that she could have attended Prince Philip's funeral in order to support her beloved husband Harry.

Since she could not be at the funeral and it is not clear if or when she will travel to the UK, Meghan found a way to honor the late Philip in her own way. Even though she could not have been at the funeral in person, a spokesperson for the duchess confirmed to HuffPost that she did watch the live airing of the funeral from her home. 

On top of that, Mehan and Harry commissioned a wreath that was specially designed to include significant virtues, moments and times that were most important for Philip. Meghan also added a handwritten note to the wreath, which was pictured in St. George’s Chapel during the funeral service. 

The wreath was designed by Willow Crossley, who also designed the couple's flower arrangements for their royal wedding reception in May 2018 as well as flowers for their son Archie’s christening according to Insider. The wreath came along with a handwritten note by Meghan, though it is currently unclear what the contents of the note are. However, Evening Standard reports that Meghan has been known for her skill at calligraphy and previously used to write wedding invitations, and she surely added her own touch to the handwritten note for Philip's funeral. 

The arrangement featured many locally sourced flowers, some of which were also picked from the designer’s personal garden. 

Meghan and Harry chose the flowers specifically to include many significant things that represented Philip's life. The couple specifically requested that the flowers include acanthus mollis, also known as bear’s breeches, which are the national flower of Greece, to represent the Duke of Edinburgh’s heritage.

Added to the arrangement were eryngium, commonly referred to as sea holly, to pay tribute to Philip's long and celebrated history with the Royal Marines.

Insider also reports that the wreath also featured campanula to show gratitude and everlasting love, rosemary to signify remembrance and lavender for devotion, all of which are a beautiful way to remember the late Duke of Edinburgh. Lastly, roses were chosen in honor of June, which is Philip’s birth month.

Though Meghan could not attend the funeral in person, it is understood that she had made every effort to join her husband until her doctors did not give her clearance to fly. 

All of these meaningful flowers were thoughtfully chosen and show that Harry knew his grandfather well and loved him dearly. From a young age, Prince Harry had similar interests to that of his grandfather, including hunting, riding, and serving his country. Both Harry and the late Philip had served in the military; Harry in the Army and Philip in the Royal Marines. In 2017, Prince Harry was made the Captain General of the Royal Marines, succeeding Prince Philip who had previously held the same position. 

When it comes to their relationship, Prince Harry and late Prince Philip were always close. Town And Country Magazine wrote, "Prince Philip has always got along well with his grandson Prince Harry, whose sporting abilities both with a gun and a polo pony he admired." 

Most recently, however, tensions have been running high in the royal family after Harry and Markle sat down with Oprah Winfrey for a controversial interview in March. During the television special, the couple openly criticized the royal family and its culture. The interview was scheduled in light of another controversy — Harry and Markle’s decision to move to California and step back as senior royals. The couple is expecting their second child, a girl, who is due in the summer. 

Harry flew back to the United Kingdom on Sunday, April 11, just two days after his grandfather Prince Philip died, according to People. He was spotted for the first time in public since his arrival in his home country at Saturday’s funeral service. There is some hope that the rift between the family, especially between brothers Harry and Prince William, will begin healing after this somber event. 

What do you think of Meghan's and Harry's special way of paying tribute to Prince Philip? Tell us what you think about her wreath, and be sure to let others know about how Meghan chose special moments in Philip's life and included them in her tribute.