The Queen May Have Paid Sentimental Tribute To Prince Philip At Private Home

May 20, 2021 by apost team

While Queen Elizabeth II spends most of her time at Buckingham Palace, which is located in the center of London, the monarch also has her fair share of official country residences from Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland to Balmoral Castle in Scotland. One such idyllic country getaway is Norfolk, England’s Sandringham House. The 20,000-acre estate features verdant gardens and the tall trees of the nearby woodlands, making for the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of Buckingham Palace in London.

Parts of the residence are set to open to the public after May 29, which has royal commentators talking about the beautiful country home once again. According to Hello! Magazine, the private home — parts of which the public cannot access — features decor that pays homage to the queen’s husband, the late Prince Philip.

In a since-removed Instagram photo on Sandringham’s official account, the residence explained that the house’s ballroom corridor depicts several hobbies and interests of the royal family, including sport, horses and the sea. Although the horses featured in the corridor likely have to do with Elizabeth’s love for the animals, it seems that the hallway’s more nautical elements have to do with Philip. After all, the late prince was a naval officer for much of his life.

Visitors and residents of England may be able to see the royal decorations themselves, given the possibility that Sandringham will open in June. And it turns out that the royal park and children’s outdoor play area are already open, according to the residence’s website.

"The Ballroom Corridor houses a collection of sculptures and paintings depicting interests of the Royal Family; sport, horses and the sea,” Sandringham House wrote on Instagram, according to a May 17 Hello! Magazine report. 

Given that Philip was an officer of the Royal Navy, it’s likely that the sea-related elements of the ballroom corridor pay homage to the prince’s military service — an emotional touch, especially if it was a decision made under direction from the queen.

According to Esquire Magazine, Philip was trained at Dartmouth Royal Navy College, where the young man excelled, graduating at the top of his class after having been a mere midshipman years earlier. In 1940, Philip graduated the college as a sub-lieutenant in the navy, only to ship out to battle in World War II.

After two years and a handful of battles, Philip was one of the youngest lieutenants in the entire navy and remained an active member of the military until 1952.

“It’s easy to look at the military career of a royal male and see it as a rite of passage, but with Philip one needs to look beyond that,” said Ashley Jackson, a professor of imperial and military history, of Philip’s military career. “He joined when he wasn't anywhere near marrying the future queen. This was a career path for a Greek prince,” he added. “This wasn’t a brief dalliance in the military. It’s important to note that he’s clearly an exceptional officer.”

Just as Philip was an “exceptional officer,” he was also a well-regarded and busy member of the royal family.

Philip retired from his royal duties in 2017 at the age of 95, removing himself from the public eye. 

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Before stepping back, he was considered one of the busiest royals, having had more than 22,000 solo appearances, according to Encyclopedia Britannica. However, since his retirement, his health has deteriorated. In 2018, he underwent hip surgery ahead of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding. Less than a year later, Philip was also in a car accident, which led to him voluntarily relinquishing his license.

Philip was also admitted to King Edward VII's Hospital in London on Feb. 16 on a precautionary basis since he reportedly felt unwell. Following his admission, the prince underwent surgery for a heart condition.

Buckingham Palace released a statement following his March 16 release from the hospital that called the procedure “successful.”

But then, unexpectedly, Philip died at age 99 on April 9th. Having been married to Elizabeth for more than 70 years, he was the longest-serving spouse of any British monarch.

In a national address from Downing Street, Prime Minister Boris Johnson had this to say following Philip’s death:

“Prince Philip earned the affection of generations here in the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth and around the world,” Johnson said in his opening remarks.

“Like the expert carriage driver that he was, he helped to steer the Royal Family and the Monarchy, so that it remains an institution indisputably vital to the balance and happiness of our national life. We remember the Duke for all of this and, above all for his steadfast support for Her Majesty the queen.”

After a small funeral ceremony at Windsor Castle, Philip was buried at St. George’s Chapel on April 17.

What do you think of the queen’s possible tribute at her Sandringham residence? Let us know — and be sure to pass this information on to friends and family members.