Princess Annetook a prominent place in her fatherPrince Philip’s funeral procession Saturday.
Anne — the only daughter of Philip andQueen Elizabethand the sole woman in the procession — walked alongside older brotherPrince Charles, who followed directly behind his father’s coffin. Although it is tradition for only men to take part in royal funeral processions, Anne previously took on the role in 2002, during the funeral for her grandmother, the Queen Mother.
Listen below to the episode ofour daily podcast PEOPLE Every Dayfor more onPrince Philip’s funeral.
Anne, who is aroyal colonel of the Household Division, donned a black jacked adorned with her military medals, following theprescribed dress codefor members of the royal family with military ranks.
“You know it’s going to happen but you are never really ready,” she began her statement, which appeared alongside a black-and-white photograph of her and Philip. “My father has been my teacher, my supporter and my critic, but mostly it is his example of a life well lived and service freely given that I most wanted to emulate.”
Noting that his “ability to treat every person as an individual in their own right with their own skills” came about “through all the organisations with which he was involved,” Anne continued, writing, “I regard it as an honour and a privilege to have been asked to follow in his footsteps and it has been a pleasure to have kept him in touch with their activities.”
Princess Anne, Prince Philip.Shutterstock
Anne added: “I know how much he meant to them, in the UK, across the Commonwealth and in the wider world.”
Continuing her statement, Anne also thanked supporters for their love amid a heartbreaking time for the family. “I would like to emphasise how much the family appreciate the messages and memories of so many people whose lives he also touched,” she wrote. “We will miss him but he leaves a legacy which can inspire us all.”
Can’t get enough ofPEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates onKate Middleton,Meghan Markleand more!
News ofPrince Philip’s death at age 99 was announced last week.
“It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness ThePrince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh,” the palace said in a statement at the time. “His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.”
The statement continued, “The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss.”
source: people.com
