The Queen has a trusted inner circle who will step up to replace Prince Philip on royal duties, it has been reported.
The seven royals will “fill the space” left by Prince Philip after he died peacefully at Windsor Castle on Friday (April 9).
As Birmingham Live reports, Prince Charles, Camilla, Princess Anne, Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex have been identified as the group.
Speaking to MailOnline, a source said: "The Duke of Edinburgh is irreplaceable and the Queen's dedication to duty is undiminished, but senior officials and members of the family have long had an eye on ensuring she is more supported in the future and it seems sensible to start employing this now."
It is no surprise Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, will step up, as next in line to the throne, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, will accompany him to certain events.
Anne, Princess Royal, is among the hardest working royals, attending various events every year.
Prince William and Kate, Duchess and Duke of Cambridge, are also expected to step up, as is Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and husband Prince Edward, both of whom paid tribute to Prince Philip after his death.
William and Kate shared a tribute on Monday, with Charles also remembering his "dear papa" over the weekend.
Another source added: "If one parent dies the children – and in this case, grandchildren – all step up and fill in in different ways.
"No single individual could ever take place of the Duke of Edinburgh, but just maybe all of them coming together will fill some of the space he has left behind."
