Prince Philip dies: Princess Beatrice's husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi remembers Prince Philip

Princess Beatrice’s husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi has paid tribute to his wife’s grandfather the Duke of Edinburgh on his death. 

Edoardo, 37, took to Instagram this morning to share two black and white portraits of Prince Philip on a sombre black background. 

The Duke of Edinburgh enjoyed a special bond with his grandchildren and made one of his last public appearances at Beatrice and Edoardo’s lockdown wedding in July 2020. 

Princess Beatrice’s husband Edoardo, 37, took to Instagram this morning to share two black and white portraits of Prince Philip on a sombre black background

The Duke of Edinburgh enjoyed a special bond with his grandchildren and made one of his last public appearances at Beatrice and Edoardo’s lockdown wedding in July 2020, pictured

When Beatrice wed Edo at a secret ceremony at Windsor Castle, nobody would have raised an eyebrow if the Duke had stayed away from the pared-back nuptials given the Covid-19 pandemic.

Therefore it was a crucial show of support for Prince Andrew’s daughter that the only family photo released of the day showed the bride and groom with the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh. 

It was particularly significant due to scandal surrounding their father Prince Andrew and his friendship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. 

When Princess Eugenie tied the knot at St George’s Chapel in October 2018, there were rumours that her grandfather wouldn’t attend due to bad blood with her mother Sarah Ferguson, but he made a point of being there. 

Speaking in the 2016 ITV documentary Our Queen at Ninety, Princess Eugenie said of Philip: ‘I think Grandpa is incredible. He really is strong and consistent. He’s been there for all these years, and I think he’s the rock, you know, for all of us.’    

The Duke of Edinburgh, right, with members of the royal family including Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice (behind) and the Cambridges and the Sussexes (front row)

Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank in the White Drawing Room of Windsor Castle in October 2018 with (left to right) Back row: Thomas Brooksbank; Nicola Brooksbank; George Brooksbank; Princess Beatrice; Sarah, Duchess of York; Prince Andrew. Middle row: Prince George; Princess Charlotte; Queen Elizabeth II; Prince Philip; Maud Windsor; Louis de Givenchy; Front row: Theodora Williams; Mia Grace Tindall; Isla Phillips; and Savannah Phillips

Beatrice and Eugenie have reportedly been in touch with Prince Harry as he arranges his return to the UK for the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral. 

The Duke of Edinburgh spent his final days at Windsor Castle with his wife the Queen who he lovingly called Lilibet throughout their long life together, after a 28-night stay in hospital having been admitted in mid-February for an infection and a pre-existing heart condition. 

Her Majesty announced her husband’s death at midday as the Union Flag was lowered to half-mast outside Buckingham Palace and on public buildings across the UK and Commonwealth.

The Queen and Prince Philip, accompanied by Princesses Eugenie (second right) and Beatrice (far right) arrive for a church service near Balmoral in Aberdeenshire on August 30, 1998

The Royal Family said in a statement: ‘It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. 

‘His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. Further announcements will made in due course. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss’.

Her Majesty, who remains at Windsor Castle, is now expected to enter an eight-day period of mourning.

She will not carry out any duties, even in private, while laws will not be given the Royal Assent and affairs of state will also be paused.