This sad moment from Prince Philip's memorial reveals Princess Beatrice's strong bond with her late grandfather

Princess Beatrice broke down in tears at her grandfather's Service of Thanksgiving as the Queen walked into the church with Prince Andrew

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(Image credit: Getty)

Princess Beatrice's close bond with the late Prince Philip was palpable at the Duke of Edinburgh's Service of Thanksgiving, as the royal icon broke down while in remembrance of her beloved grandfather. 


Princess Beatrice was overcome with emotion at the Duke of Edinburgh's Service of Thanksgiving last week, hiding her tearful face with a sheet as the opening hymn commenced. 

Prince Philip's memorial service took place at Westminster Abbey in London on 29 March, less than two weeks before the anniversary of his death. 

The Queen's husband died aged 99 on 9 April, after being married to the monarch for 73 years and serving as royal consort for 69 years. His funeral took place at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle in the wake of Britain's third Covid lockdown, forcing Her Majesty to sit alone for the ceremony attended by just 30 guests. 

Prince Philip's memorial will be attended by hundreds of guests

Prince Philip died aged 99 in April 2021

(Image credit: Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

His legacy was finally honored by wider circles at his Service of Thanksgiving last Tuesday. The emotional event saw the Royal Family—with the exception of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle—joined by over 2,000 invited guests for a joyful celebration of the Duke's incredible life. 

Princess Beatrice appeared to be particularly moved by the occasion, breaking down in tears as she watched the Queen being escorted to her seat by Prince Andrew. 

Princess Beatrice

(Image credit: Getty)

Princess Beatrice

(Image credit: Getty)

The 33-year-old shielded her face with her Order of Service sheet and reached into her purse for a tissue to dry her eyes, prompting her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, to place a comforting hand on her back. 

Princess Eugenie, who was also joined by her husband, Jack Brooksbank, appeared to glance over in concern for her upset sister. 

At another point of the service, Beatrice chuckled when Right Reverend David Conner paid tribute to Philip's tendency to be "be somewhat sharp in pricking what he thought to be bubbles of pomposity or sycophancy." 

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"The very personal nature of such a public commemoration hit home when Beatrice, 33, started sobbing upon sight of her grandmother and father, arm in arm, covering her tearful face with her order of service," royal expert Camilla Tominey wrote for the Daily Telegraph. 

Princess Beatrice was undeniably close to her late grandfather, calling him "the most unique person" during the ITV documentary Our Queen at 90 back in 2016. 

"My fabulous grandfather. When I talk about my grandfather, I really get quite emotional," she said. “Because he is the most unique person and I’m very lucky that there are lots of moments where I have been able to share some quite magical times with my grandfather." 

Prince Philip even attended Beatrice's private wedding to Edoardo in July 2020, just nine months before he passed away. 

Emma Dooney
Lifestyle News Writer

Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.


Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.