Kate Middleton and Prince Charles share tender moment after Prince Philip’s funeral

Prince Charles had been visibly emotional as he followed his father’s hearse on foot

(Tim Rooke/Shutterstock)

The Duchess of Cambridge was seen comforting her father-in-law Prince Charles in a tender moment after the funeral of Prince Philip.

On leaving the chapel following the service, Kate Middleton consoled Charles by placing a hand around his shoulder and giving him a kiss on the cheek.

Prince Charles had earlier been visibly emotional as part of the procession that followed his father Prince Philip’s hearse on foot from Windsor Castle to St George’s Chapel.

As the eldest child of the Queen and Prince Philip, and the heir to the throne, he followed first behind the coffin alongside his sister, Princess Anne.

Prince Charles usually resides in Gloucestershire with his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall. However, it is believed he has been in London since visiting his father when he was hospitalised in March.

The funeral plans for the Duke of Edinburgh had to be amended due to coronavirus restrictions, which meant only 30 guests were able to be present inside the chapel for the service.

The Queen sat alone as she buried her husband, as members of different households had to sit socially distanced inside, as per government guidelines.

On leaving the chapel, the family were able to chat informally amongst themselves and Kate took the opportunity to offer her support to Prince Charles.

Kate Middleton has been a member of the royal family since 2011 when she married Prince William. The Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral was the first royal funeral she has attended.

Shortly after the moment between her and her father-in-law took place, she was seen alongside her husband William speaking casually to Prince Harry as the trio walked away from the church.

Much has been speculated about the state of the relationship between the royal brothers with rumours of a rift surfacing as early as 2018. The funeral was the first time the brothers have been seen together in public since March 2020.