Princess Anne’s son recalls the emotional toll of strict pandemic rules during Prince Philip’s farewell
Peter Phillips has shared a deeply personal account of the pain caused by COVID-19 restrictions, revealing how the royal family was unable to comfort Queen Elizabeth II during her time of grief.
The 48-year-old reflected on the difficult period in the documentary Queen Elizabeth II: Her Story, Our Century, which aired to mark what would have been the late monarch’s 100th birthday. He spoke candidly about how distancing rules prevented even the simplest gesture of support as the Queen mourned her husband, Prince Philip.
“All you wanted to do was give her a hug, and you couldn’t do it,” Phillips said, highlighting the emotional strain felt by the family.
As the son of Princess Anne, Phillips has long been known for his close bond with his grandmother. In a past interview, he described their relationship as warm and consistent, noting that they stayed in regular contact and that she remained a guiding influence throughout his life.
He also shared memories of the Queen’s final days in September 2022, saying he felt fortunate to have been in Scotland with the family. Recalling their last gathering, he described it as “really nice” and a genuine family moment.
The funeral of Prince Philip, held at St George’s Chapel in April 2021, became one of the most powerful images of the pandemic era. Due to strict regulations, only a limited number of mourners were allowed, leaving the Queen seated alone during the service, a scene that resonated around the world.
For Phillips, that moment remains a stark reminder of how even the closest families were kept apart in times of loss, turning a deeply personal grief into a shared symbol of the pandemic’s impact.
