Yahoo Finance Prince Philip, great-granddaughter Mia bond in rare picture; Queen releases solo statement
Royal family fans are getting a previously unseen glimpse into Prince Philip's life before his funeral Saturday.
Michael Tindall, husband to Prince Philip's granddaughter Zara Phillips, posted an Instagram photo Friday of his daughter Mia sharing a meal with the late Duke of Edinburgh outdoors on what appears to be the porch of a cabin.
"It’s been a very sad week but it has given us time to reflect on great memories and stories both personal and shared," Tindall wrote in the caption. "A devoted family man who we will forever miss but always love."
He added that the photo was taken by Duchess Kate but did not say where or when it was captured.
Mia is one of Prince Philip's 10 great-grandchildren. On Wednesday, the official Instagram account for the British royal family shared a rare photo of the duke and his wife Queen Elizabeth II with seven of their great-grandchildren at Balmoral Castle in Scotland in 2018. According to the caption, that photo was also taken by Duchess Kate.
The royal family's Instagram shared another rare picture of the late duke on Friday, taken by Sophie, Countess of Wessex in 2003. According to the caption, the private photograph was shared at the wishes of Queen Elizabeth II.
The photo shows the couple smiling in the grass atop the Coyles of Muick in Scotland.
"Her Majesty and the Royal Family are grateful for all the messages of condolence from around the world and have been touched to see and hear so many people sharing fond memories of The Duke, in celebration of his life," the caption added.
People and Access reported Friday that the queen has released her first solo statement since her husband's death at the age of 99 on April 9. Her statement addressed a recent volcanic eruption in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, a Commonwealth country.
"I have been saddened by the destruction and major disruption caused by volcanic eruptions in recent days, and my thoughts are with the many people and families who have been evacuated from their homes, and whose livelihoods have been affected," she said. "I send my thanks to the emergency services and all those involved in the relief effort."
A poignant 'I' ; the first of what will be many solo statements from the now widowed queen pic.twitter.com/2Tk2N4MmqD
— Anna Whitelock (@AnnaWhitelock) April 14, 2021
Prior to Prince Philip's death, palace statements of this nature were typically attributed to both the queen and the duke, beginning with "The Duke of Edinburgh and I," the outlets reported.
"My prayers will remain with the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines at this very difficult time," she added.
Queen Elizabeth returns to royal duties four days after death of Prince Philip
The official Instagram account for the royal family shared on its Stories Friday that Prince Philip was "closely involved" in the planning of his own funeral, which will feature a Land Rover the duke helped design. His coffin will be carried by both the Grenadier Guards as well as the Royal Marines, in a nod to his deep military ties.
Prince Philip's funeral: When is it? Will it be on TV? More pressing questions, answered
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Prince Philip bonds with great-granddaughter Mia in rare picture
