Prince Philip died “gently” as if someone “took him by the hand” the Countess of Wessex said today.
Sophie Wessex, the duke’s daughter-in-law, attended a service at the Royal Chapel of All Saints in Royal Lodge in Windsor on Sunday.
Speaking to mourners as she left she said: “You know it’s going to happen but when it happens it’s just this massive, massive hole.
“It was so gentle, it was just like someone took him by the hand and off he went.
“Very, very peaceful - and that’s all you want with somebody isn’t it?”
The Duke of York also attended the service and revealed the Queen had described Prince Philip’s passing as leaving a “huge void” in her life.
The Earl of Wessex said the number of tributes to the duke were “fantastic”.
“That’s really, really important and we really do appreciate,” he said.
On Sunday morning the Archbishop of Canterbury led a remembrance service for the Duke of Edinburgh at Canterbury Cathedral.
At the small, socially distanced service, Justin Welby gave thanks to the duke for his lifetime of service and also offered prayers to the Queen.
Addressing the congregation Mr Welby said Prince Philip had a “remarkable willingness” to “take the hand he was dealt in life”.
He added that his bereavement is a “blow” for any family.
Mr Welby will lead Prince Philip’s funeral next Saturday, which will be attended by 30 guests.
Prince Harry and Prince William will walk behind their grandfather’s coffin ahead of the service at Windsor Castle.
Harry’s pregnant wife, Meghan Markle, has been advised not to travel by doctors and will stay in California with the couple’s son Archie.
