Princess Anne hugs Prince Philip in picture showing rare public display of affection
PRINCESS ANNE and Prince Philip's close relationship can be seen in a stunning picture of the pair hugging uncovered by Express.co.uk after the death of the Duke of Edinburgh last week.
Prince Philip: Princess Anne pays tribute to father in statement
The Princess Royal was known to be especially close with her father, who shared her no-nonsense attitude to life. Anne released a deeply emotional tribute, in which she described her father as “my teacher, my supporter and my critic”. She added that, while the family and nation will miss him, he will “leave a legacy which can inspire us all”.
Now, pictures retrieved from the archives show how close their relationship really was as the pair are seen hugging, a public display of affection very rare for members of the Royal Family.
The photographs in question were taken at Ascot Racecourse in July 1987 when Anne was 36 and Philip was 66.
It is highly unusual to see royals embrace or show outward signs of affection, even towards their children or significant others while in public.
In astonishing footage from 1951 which sees the Queen returning from a royal tour, she did not even hug a young Prince Charles after stepping off the train at Paddington Station.
READ MORE: Prince Charles decided to break tradition with suit at Diana's funeral
After being reunited with her son after months abroad, the Queen kissed him on the cheek and shook his hand.
This interaction is typical for how members of the Royal Family behave in public.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have broken this protocol in recent years by holding hands in public and touching each other on the back or arm during public engagements.
In their engagement interview, they sat close together with their hands clasped, in contrast to Prince William and Kate Middleton, who sat apart from each other in a very formal way.
All this means that public hugs between royals are not a common occurrence, so Anne and Philip’s moment captured on camera is especially poignant.
In numerous other pictures of the father and daughter, they can be seen laughing and having a good time.
In one adorable snap from 1964, Prince Philip can be seen behind the wheel as he drives Princess Anne and her younger brother Prince Andrew to Windsor for Christmas celebrations.
Given their relationship, Anne’s tribute this week is especially heart-wrenching.
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She wrote in a statement: “You know it's going to happen but you are never really ready.
“My father has been my teacher, my supporter and my critic, but mostly it is his example of a life well lived and service freely given that I most want to emulate.
“His ability to treat every person as an individual in their own right with their own skills comes through all the organisations with which he was involved.
“I regard it as an honour and a privilege to have been asked to follow in his footsteps and it has been a pleasure to have kept him in touch with their activities.
“I know how much he meant to them, in the UK, across the Commonwealth and the wider world.
“I would like to emphasise how much the family appreciate the messages and memories of so many people whose lives he also touched.
“We will miss him but he leaves a legacy which can inspire us all.”
Prince Philip’s funeral is taking place on Saturday at St George’s Chapel and will be attended by just 30 people in line with coronavirus restrictions.
However, it will be televised so the public can watch the service.
The Duke will not lie in state, as per his wishes.