Prince William and Kate Middleton find special way to help their children cope with Prince Philip’s death

Prince William and Kate Middleton are keeping Prince Philip’s memory alive at home

Catherine Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge arrive to visit the Botanical Gardens on April 14, 2014 in Christchurch, New Zealand
(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Prince William and Kate Middleton have reportedly been helping their children cope with the loss of their great-grandfather Prince Philip in a particularly heartfelt way. 

Prince William and Kate Middleton were left devastated last week when Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle aged 99. The sad loss of such an important member of the Royal Family comes weeks after Prince Philip reunited with his beloved wife, the Queen, after his recent hospital stay. The royal couple had been married for over seven decades after meeting in the sweetest way back in 1939. 

The couple’s grandson Prince William has now broken his silence and paid tribute to his late grandfather with an incredibly touching photograph and statement. 

In it, William described Prince Philip as an “extraordinary man” with an “infectious sense of adventure” and “mischievous sense of humor”. 

While he no doubt holds his own memories of his grandfather close to his heart, the Duke of Cambridge also spoke of his happiness at knowing Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis got to enjoy many wonderful moments with Philip too.

“I will never take for granted the special memories my children will always have of their great-grandpa”, William declared.

How did Prince William and Kate Middleton tell their children about Prince Philip’s death?

While William and Kate will be coping with their own grief at this difficult time, as devoted parents, they have also had to explain Prince Philip’s death to their children. 

And a royal insider has now revealed to Us Weekly that William and Kate were very gentle in their approach. 

“William told George, Charlotte and Louis that Prince Philip has ‘gone to heaven’ and ‘is an angel now,” the insider claimed. “They’re still so young so he and Kate wanted to let them down gently.”

Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, Prince George of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge look out from the balcony of Buckingham Palace

(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Despite their parents’ sensitive approach, however, the older Cambridge children in particular have been hit hard by the loss of their beloved great-grandfather.

“Naturally, the children are very upset, particularly George and Charlotte,” the source added. “Louis is still very young and had only met Prince Philip a couple of times.”

Though Louis, who will turn three later this month, might not be old enough to have spent as much time with Philip as his older siblings, he will certainly grow up to learn more about his remarkable great-grandpa.

How are Prince William and Kate Middleton helping their children to remember Prince Philip?

To honor Prince Philip and help all three children to remember him, the source claimed that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have also come up with a heartfelt way to ensure he always has a place in their home. 

“George, Charlotte and Louis helped William choose a photograph of Prince Philip to hang in their home in memory of him,” the source explained. 

It’s understood that the Cambridge children will not be attending Prince Philip’s funeral on Saturday, April 17th. However, William and Harry will reportedly be walking shoulder to shoulder on this poignant day.

A service will be held at St George’s Chapel in Windsor before the Duke of Edinburgh is taken to his final resting place.

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!