Countess of Wessex praises 'amazing' Queen as she leaves Windsor Castle
10 April 2021, 14:06 | Updated: 10 April 2021, 14:30
The Countess of Wessex paid an emotional tribute to the Queen as she left Windsor Castle today, telling a crowd she has been "amazing."
Sophie, 56, was driven away from Windsor Castle by her husband the Earl of Wessex after visiting the Queen. Police cleared the road and as their vehicle left the area, the countess waved to members of the public.
The Countess of Wessex said "the Queen has been amazing" as the couple drove away after spending around an hour at the castle this morning.
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Queen Rania of Jordan also paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh after his death aged 99, describing him as a "constant anchor" in his role of consort to the Queen.
Speaking to ITV news in a pre-recorded interview, she shared her own experiences as a consort and said the role is "defined as you go along based on how and where you can make a difference, where you are needed and where your passions lie".
She said: "Being married to someone who is under so much pressure means you have to do whatever you can to try and alleviate some of that pressure. Even if that's by being a distraction.
"By providing an environment at home which takes their mind off the heaviness outside the house. That's instrumental because the wellbeing of your spouse eventually has an impact on how well they carry out their duties."
On Philip, Queen Rania added: "There must have been times when it wasn't easy for him... but at the same time he was a constant anchor for Her Majesty and I think she probably wouldn't have been able to carry on her journey they way she did without him by her side."
READ MORE: Follow the latest tributes to the Duke of Edinburgh live
READ MORE: Gun salutes honour Prince Philip after his death aged 99
Gun salutes across the UK and in Gibraltar in honour of Prince Philip ended at 12.41pm, with one round fired per minute since noon.
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The final of 41 gunshots was fired at the Tower of London in tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh.
A long queue of well-wishers wanting to leave flowers at Buckingham Palace also formed today. A line was snaking along the front of the palace gates towards Green Park, before turning to follow the edge of the Victoria Memorial.
The public are being allowed to approach the palace gates one by one to lay their tributes, in an effort to reduce the size of the crowd amid coronavirus restrictions.
People are being advised to stay away from royal palaces due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan posted online: "The Govt & Royal Family are asking for floral tributes not be laid at Royal Residences.
"Members of the public may wish to consider making a donation to a charity of their choice, or one of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Patronages in his memory instead."
