JUST hours after the death of Prince Philip, Pope Francis sent a telegram to the Queen praising the life work of her husband.
Pope Francis’s telegram to the Queen sent by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin read: “Saddened to learn of the death of your husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, His Holiness Pope Francis offers heartfelt condolences to Your Majesty and the members of the royal family.
“Recalling Prince Philip’s devotion to his marriage and family, his distinguished record of public service and his commitment to the education and advancement of future generations, His Holiness commends him to the merciful love of Christ our Redeemer.
“Upon you and upon all who grieve his loss in the sure hope of the resurrection, the Holy Father invokes the Lord’s blessings of consolation and peace.”
The Duke of Edinburgh died last Friday, April 9, aged 99, becoming the longest-serving royal consort in British history.
With preparations underway for a funeral at Windsor Castle next Saturday, the Duke’s grandson, Prince Harry arrived in London to join his family in mourning, after travelling from his new home in California and without his pregnant wife Meghan Markle.
His return to Britain follows an explosive tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey made allegations of racism and mental health issues within the palace.
In 2014, the royal couple met for 30 minutes at the Vatican with Pope Francis. When the pope gave Prince Philip a series of three medals of his pontificate, the prince thanked him, joking, “It’s the only gold medal I’ve ever won.”
Queen Elizabeth gave the pope a large basket of food from the estates surrounding her homes; the basket included a bottle of Balmoral whiskey. Prince Philip held up the whiskey, explaining what it was, then picked up another bottle and said, “It’s apple juice.”
Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, was admitted to a hospital in mid-February for treatment over 28 days for an infection and pre-existing heart condition but “passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle,” according to a statement issued by Buckingham Palace.
“The royal family join with people around the world in mourning his loss,” the statement added.
The prince was last seen in public leaving the hospital March 16. He was about to reach his 100th birthday on June 10.
The queen, 94, is now expected to enter an eight-day period of mourning, during which affairs of state will be suspended.
Royal tribute: Children place flowers outside England’s Windsor Castle after Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, died on April 9 at age 99. Photo: CNS 
Fond memories: A mourner honours Prince Philip at the gates of Buckingham Palace shortly after the Duke of Edinburgh died. Photo: CNS
A royal ceremonial funeral is likely to take place at Windsor, in accordance with the wishes of the prince, with a military procession taking place in London.
Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury, speaking on behalf of the worldwide Anglican Communion, also paid tribute to the prince, saying he wished to “give thanks to God for his extraordinary life of dedicated service.”
“He consistently put the interests of others ahead of his own and, in so doing, provided an outstanding example of Christian service,” he said. “During his naval career, in which he served with distinction in the Second World War, he won the respect of his peers as an outstanding officer.
