A resurfaced clip of the Duke of Edinburgh shows him being most considerable in his role as grandfather during what was a particularly difficult time for the Royal family.
New ITV documentary Philip: Prince, Husband, Father – which airs Tuesday night at 9pm – showcases Prince Philip in a more personal light as video and audio recordings of him reveal characteristics the British public might not have previously been privy too.
One clip in particular displays the sensitive side the late Duke had when it came to his grandchildren as he is shown comforting a young Prince William during his mother, Princess Diana’s funeral in September 1997.
Prince Philip’s former religious adviser, Martin Palmer, describes this touching moment in the documentary – to which most viewers will learn about for the first time.
“There's a moment where they go under the Horse Guards Parade arch, where it's quite clear that Prince Philip – and I asked about this and he said, 'Yes I didn't think the cameras could see us,’” he says.
"At that point he turns to William, who he's walking beside, and comforts him.
"You've just got to watch that moment and realise, here is a grandfather who is trying to help his young, very vulnerable grandson struggle through this awful, awful moment."
The shared footage shows the backs of Prince William and Prince Harry walking with their father Prince Charles, uncle Charles Spencer and grandfather under an arch following behind the moving casket of the late Princess of Wales.
They were in procession from Kensington Palace to Westminster Abbey where Princess Diana’s funeral service was held and televised in front millions of viewers across the world.
As the grieving family got way from the public eye for a moment, Prince Philip is seen in the clip leaning over to Prince William and touches his grandson’s back tenderly for support.
Prince William and Prince Harry were only 15 and 12 respectively when they lost their mother after she was killed in a car crash in August 1997 during a trip in Paris.
Prince Philip passed away earlier this year on 9 April at Windsor Castle. He was 99-years-old.
This new ITV documentary gives an intimate portrayal of the Duke with archives spanning 80 years revealing his thoughts on the monarchy, the press and his significant others.
Included in the programme will also be interviews with biographers, friends and former colleagues of Prince Philip, giving viewers insight into the Royal that may not have been exposed before.
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