‘Quite emotional’: Peter Phillips reflects on final days with Queen Elizabeth

Royal Family member Peter Phillips has reflected on his final days with his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, before her death in Scotland.
Mr Phillips praised his grandmother as a “figurehead” who had been part of everybody’s lives for as long as people could remember.
“I was lucky to be in Scotland before she passed and actually having those few days with her, just in Scotland, just as a family, before she left Balmoral - that was really nice,” he told Sky News host Caroline Di Russo.
“Looking back on it, still quite emotional that part because it was a proper family, the family moment.
“And then obviously once she left Balmoral, it became more of a public grieving, then in many ways, we had our quiet with her. We'd said our goodbyes.
“Whilst it still wasn't particularly easy, it was easier, being able to share the public's grief for her.”

[@carmeldeakin2456]

So refreshing to find an interviewer who actually allows her guest to speak.

[@Stardusted1]

She is also sweet on him judging by those eyes and smile. Love her!❤

[@944clogue]

He's to not be comfortable in speaking a lot of pauses, and ums as a public figure, I'm sure he went to communication classes....

[@niahays1042]

1:43 1:44 😅 1:44 2:11

[@alisoncooper1421]

Make allowances for the ermotion. It couldn't be easy.

[@ruthhogg6423]

@@Stardusted1 It’s interesting how we all see things differently. You liked her smile, but I found it almost disrespectful. He was talking about something that was obviously still very raw and I didn’t feel the constant smiling from her was appropriate. I’ve never seen this interviewer before but I’d possibly like her more if it were on a different topic.

[@29friockheim]

Peter would be a great asset to William when he becomes king. What a lovely person he is as is his sister Zara.

[@direfranchement]

He's not a working royal. What are you expecting him to do?

[@29friockheim]

@@direfranchement he could become a working royal

[@eastofthemississippi2501]

Yeah, I think Charles adding Ann and Edward back in as Counsellors of State was a great move, especially since Harry and Andrew are basically duds. The Monarchy has so many responsibilities ceremonially and constituonally, I think keeping Peter in reserve for the future is a good idea, if he ever did become a working Royal a lesser title such as Baron I think would be appropriate.

[@direfranchement]

@@29friockheim Not likely as he has never had a title and is unlikely to take one at this point.

[@29friockheim]

@@direfranchement he is still a royal. Don't think a title would matter.

[@carmeldeakin2456]

What a lovely young man. Then, he has a wonderful role model in his Mother.

[@mollybrennan5453]

His father had an affair while he was married to Anne and had a girl. I don't blame anne for divorcing his dad

[@missJolie85]

@@call_it_4now You want people to stay in shitty marriages? That was the day of the past. It shows strength and logic to leave something that does not contribute to your life in a positive way anymore.

[@WhirlyPearly]

@@call_it_4nowHis father Mark Phillips lived on the Gatcombe Estate in his own home with The Princess Royal and her New husband in the big estate. He had a very large hand in raising Peter and Zara. Know something before a silly comment.

[@georgiec9367]

​@@mollybrennan5453Let's be completely fair & transparent, now.... Not only did Mark Phillips cheat, but Princess Anne actually cheated with Andrew Parker Bowles, but she also cheated with Sir Timothy Laurence, her current husband.

[@elizabethyoung4900]

What an articulate gentleman, he spoke beautifully about his grandmother, the wonderful Queen Elizabeth. Dignified and respecting family privacy. A lovely man.

[@muellkoerbchen]

I found him rather inarticulate here…

[@user-bs4jn6444]

@@muellkoerbchen He was being a little guarded...no breaking news reports...can you blame him?

[@elizabethyoung4900]

@@user-bs4jn6444 Thank you. My thoughts exactly, guarded explains it clearly.

[@danioneill1799]

Did she ask him about his work and the reason for him being Australia?

[@elizabethyoung4900]

@@danioneill1799 Yes,something to do with a charity supporting golf for disabled I think 🤔

[@JoRN1222]

I've never heard him speak before. Princess Anne and her ex husband have lovely children.

[@robinkohl9827]

Yes! In the South, we would say “they were raised right.”

[@alisoncooper1421]

Take the opportunity to find a joint interview Peter and Zara gave about their mother, I think it was for Princess Anne's 65th birthday. They are very close siblings.

[@barbraluce5706]

​@@alisoncooper1421, Princess Anne was certainly a hands on Mother. Very down to earth.

[@user-cc9eq4xs2e]

He is his mother's son. A credit to Queen Elizabeth and Princess Anne

[@carmeldeakin2456]

Spot on Peter. Family time is immensely important for growing children.

[@karenwhite1718]

What is remarkable about this man is that he has behaved himself and not brought shame to his family. That speaks well of his mother. One could wish others in the family could take a leaf from his book.

[@Sockimus]

So how come the Queen's favorite son ended up on Epstein's client list? I wouldn't play that game when the person(s) you're alluding to lost their mother at a pretty early age and was cast off as the spare while the biggest living disappointment of the family not only had their parents but was considered the favorite by the most powerful iconography on the planet.

[@travelseatsyellowlab]

Why can't you compliment this man without qualifying it or attaching it to or making insinuations about anyone else. You do realize that Phillips had a completely different upbringing than anyone else you might be alluding to.

[@anna_luin]

He has had his own controversies for sure but has learnt from them. See the China Milk scandal where the tagline of the add emphasised his royal connections.

[@appreciationforqueenelizab6362]

Peter Phillips is one who should be placed in a very responsible position among royals. He is intelligent, as his mother was, and sensible, along with knowledge.

[@dollface2917]

His mum is still here, but yes he’s fantastic.

[@georgiabelle5176]

His mother is😂

[@user-ev4ie2wx7k]

He may not wish to.

[@29friockheim]

Maybe he should be given a chance. He would definitely be an asset to the Royal family. Maybe he does work behind the scenes that nobody knows about. Same a the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester

[@jc7453]

His mother chose not to give her children titles. He is part of the royal family, but he can never be a working royal.

[@blackorchid2180]

Caroline Russo is such a respectful interviewer ... some of the women journalists on MSM won’t stop interrupting ... she lets him finish what he is saying and doesn’t push her views ... well done Caroline 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@eminbc]

Yes it's a shame her former countryman Murdoch could not instill in Fox such lovely values and character.

[@carolinequirke5202]

What a great respectful interview with Peter ,I wish we could see more of this highly intelligent articulate man ❤

[@ME-gz8yi]

Indeed, note that he publicly refers to his family members by their titles, rather than constantly showing off his familiarity by saying my granny, Charles, or grandad, etc.

[@missJolie85]

@@call_it_4now You base that on what?

[@suehead109]

@@missJolie85 I don't doubt his intelligence but listening to him speak is a tad frustrating with the constant repetition of words and phrases and "you know" thrown in rather a lot.

[@missJolie85]

@@suehead109 That wasn’t my question. I commented to someone who made a clear statement that he is far from sharp. That is based on what?

[@davewoods24]

How fortunate for Peter and Zara to have had such excellent role models and mentors.

[@lauraragazzi464]

What a beautiful interview. Peter Philips reminds me a lot of his mother. Very lovely man

[@cocoaorange1]

He favors his mom a lot.

[@robbyel3958]

His mother should be sitting on the throne. She is the real leader of that family now.

[@flyonthewalltheatre]

Caroline Russo does a wonderful job, an intelligent and interesting interviewer. She asks great questions and presents a relaxed and fascinating interview.

[@trishosullivan4857]

What a beautifully balanced interview, both listening and allowing the other to speak . Peter is so much like his mother in how he articulates. Caroline got a great deal of information about the love the family had for both late Queen and Duke of Edinburgh . Also able to broach the health issues of the King and Princess of Wales without being intrusive . Well done to both .

[@helenanderson-smith5605]

Wow.. What a wonderful interview. The best interview I've seen in a long time. So respectful and moving both from the interviewer and from Peter.

[@user-ru1cr5jd8j]

I found myself smiling throughout. Always a good sign to me. Caroline Russo I've not seen before but she was respectful and didn't interupt. Peter Phillips was as we know the Late Queen's first grandchild. Contrary to popular belief it has been said that Peter was her favourite. I can believe that as there is nothing like the first.

[@lyno1980]

I commend the interviewer for allowing Peter to speak it was so refreshing to hear what he had to say without being interrupted, very respectful, excellent interview, reminds me of how the great interviews used to be done 👍

[@RosieES8288]

It was a very respectful interview and beautiful eulogy from Peter and positivity to the King

[@stardust4987]

Great interview, he did such a nice job of being open in a respectful way to the family.

[@diannewilliams8937]

Great interview with Peter Phillips by this lady. That's how an interview should be conducted ask aq question and let the person answer.

[@suew000]

Family is important. Thank you Peter for your words.

[@katherine9026]

Love the interviewer as well. Also nice to hear a well-spoken guest. Didn’t the the Princess Royal do a splendid job raising her children. Love that family to pieces. Good job, both of you. Hard to talk about losing someone you loved and twice as hard into a camera.😢❤😊

[@sueharvey6603]

Love this guy! He and Zara are as normal as they come!

[@AA-ud5eb]

What a wonderful interview. It’s obvious that in addition to having had a great relationship with his grandparents, he also thinks very highly of his uncle the Queen and of his cousins, the Prince and Princess of Wales. It was wonderful to hear him speak in such glowing terms about the Princess of Wales. So glad Prince William has the support of this wonderful man, as well as the support of Zara and her husband.

[@Mayrows]

Your a narcissist who belittles people for expressing their feelings. Shame on you

[@alisoncooper1421]

So like his mother, he processes his comments before he gives them. Peter and Zara may not have Royal titles but they are both blood line Royals who have been raised to respect the Institution of the British Monarchy. What a great example Peter and Zara are to their cousins. The interviewer was top notch, she led but did not take over the interview, what a rare gift in today's media world.

[@MacJelina67]

Peter Philips should be a working Royal. He's is loyal and devoted to the legacy that the late Great Queen Elizabeth 11 has left behind

[@startracker5895]

If he had any decency he would step up to help his mother who does way too much at her age.

[@robinkohl9827]

I love how kindly he speaks of his uncle, His Majesty, King Charles III.

[@chestersmum4158]

What a lovely guy We don’t get to hear much about him

[@jillosler9353]

His mother, Princess Anne, didn't want her children to have titles and wanted them to be free to choose their own paths. You must remember that Primogeniture was still the order of the day and every time a son was born to the late Queen her daughter (although born second out of four children) went further down the line. Her 3 brothers COULD have sired 9 Male children between them which would have placed Princess Anne's children as also-ran's. Peter and Zara are still cousins to Prince William and are very supportive behind the scene.

[@optimisticgal]

Good to hear from Anne's son. Thank you lovely interview.

[@adiza1616]

I always heard Peter was the late queen favorite grandson.

[@clarifyingquestions]

The queen was a wonderful human being and would never be so small minded as to have a "favourite" PM, child, grandchild. etc etc

[@glencorajane]

I think because he is the oldest among his generation, so he got more time with Queen E

[@adiza1616]

Yes@@glencorajane

[@electronlegacy9051]

And so he should be. The best of the lot by far!!

[@kittyG-kq5ib]

Wonderful interview Peter is Her late Majesty The Queens first grandchild, I think that’s often forgotten, his mother The Princess Royal and her former husband did a great job bringing up Peter and his sister Zara

[@jodieholt5092]

Delightful young man

[@conchitadesousa365]

The said says: Honour to honour deserves and Queen Elizabeth is a Great Woman Leader, her leader capabilities and her wisdom has shown Us that it's a quite clear time before Her Majesty and after!!!!

[@user-gp7et4dg2s]

She was a remarkable woman in so many ways. Never see her likes again..

[@sarahprice1375]

So very well said Peter. Huge respect. ❤

[@poussinhamzah4013]

Le premier petit enfant de la Feu Reine qui n'a pas besoin d'un titre royal pour réussir dans la vie. C'est un homme qui se comporte avec beaucoup de classe et de dignité.

[@SuperQuoll]

What a lovely respectful interview. Interesting that the grandchildren tried to ensure the Queen and Prince Philip had special time with their treat grandchildren. Those children, having that time with great grandparents are blessed.

[@marywynne6496]

well done Caroline..what a wonderful interview. and what a lovely guy Phillip is..listening from Ireland .love the royals..

[@MHadvocateUK]

Always a lovely man. Very dignified and respectful.

[@rmf7332]

What a remarkable role model this Gentleman is. Dignified, authentic and hearwarmingly respectable in every single word he utters. What a truly refreshing difference to the Montecito duo. He claims no royal title nor does he want to be adresssed with any formal form. This is perfect behavior in its finest. I sadly rememer this awful D-List actress permanently calling the Queen "my husbands grandmother", The King "my father in law", not to forget calling her own husband "this one" and never being capable of just the pure respect any decent human being shows in conversations with others. And this wonderful gentleman actually is the son of the Princess Royal and the grandson of Queen Elizabeth II.

[@gaylahuckaby1]

Really enjoyed the interview.... as someone else said, letting Peter answer....

[@troyp9485]

He’s so much like his mother

[@charliesgrl2]

Thank you. Every time I see him I just think of the joy that boy brought his grandmother. The first grandchild is a very special person. And I was so glad to know that he was one of the last faces she saw.

[@dominicboyle1672]

What a nice bloke… respect

[@leoniemary3850]

He’s so lovely!!’

[@stephenwinter8892]

Greetings from Canada long live the queen with her passing of 70 years of service peter Phillips did an excellent job of the interview of his grandmother

[@hrhowen]

He has the same rhythm of speech as the Princess Royal.

[@user-bs4jn6444]

He sounds exactly like his father...if you hear them together . Lovely voices.

[@billybrand9976]

His grandfather you mean

[@ruthhogg6423]

@@billybrand9976 No, his father

[@Theoldhound47]

@@user-bs4jn6444 Yes he does!! Captain Phillips has that some lovely deep voice too!

[@halbwachsfrancoise6427]

A perfect Gentleman

[@kellycal124]

He shows such respect. He doesn’t say “my grandfather” or my “Uncle Charlie.” He says The Duke of Edinburgh and the King! Unlike some grifter we know!

[@Mayrows]

Harry and Meghan are together. Your miserable and bitter

[@jrwalkey]

He is lovely and adorable !

[@imerupp]

I pray for them, may God bless the House of Windsor. I might be an American from the South, but I do believe that the Royal Family tries to be upstanding and honorable. I have always looked not at the ones who have sought out celebrity, but rather to the ones who have done their duty quietly.

[@paulam408]

Anyone else think Prince William also favors his cousin Peter?

[@eleanorlamont7375]

yes

[@aspinallsandy4810]

Yes

[@clairetomkyns175]

I think William gets on best with Zara and her husband.

[@barbraseville8984]

I think he looks like young Andrew.

[@labratamber]

Peter look like his dad

[@melissaboggs5176]

He speaks like his Grandfather. 😊

[@garotadagavea]

He is a very thoughtful speaker. Nice.

[@tristelraka6692]

God bless you and keep you and safe, Peter

[@sylvial.ackley2469]

Wonderful interview, thank you ….

[@user-bs4jn6444]

He would be a welcome working Royal. Would rather have lovely Peter any day than horrid Harry who bullied his grandparents at the end of their lives. Peter is close to William and Catherine and was loyal to his grandparents. He could be a part time filler...and take over some of his mothers work as she ages.

[@angelastannard1405]

What a great interview 👏 such a lovely lady and welldone to Princess Anns son so very respected God Bless them All 🙏 ❤

[@mrsANGRYh]

What a handsome well spoken gentleman. 💗

[@valerietorreggiani9973]

So well handled this eldest grandson. What a delightful man.

[@mistysouders7823]

He.will be a fantastic asset to William when William becomes King. He very clearly has his head squarely on his shoulders.

[@silvialogan9226]

The Queen was such a wonderful woman and was a great figure for many people. She was considered as Mary Poppins.

[@maryannemelenka9250]

He’s handsome.

[@francinegreenway8451]

Sorry for your loss Peter 😞

[@canadiangirl7439]

What a wonderful man. He does the royal family proud !!!

[@jeenamariamascarenhas7118]

What I love about most Royals - there isn’t an innate arrogance…. . H of course lost that when he moved to the US.

[@2snowgirl520]

He is so handsome!

[@jackiemanderson2080]

Yes he is!

[@venicev1618]

He did well against his nerves ! And really handsome !

[@sophiafletcher314]

Peter Phillips is a wonderful example to follow. ❤❤❤❤

[@diannebuxton9247]

He is so regal..such a lovely caring young man ❤️

[@chiomaubani4680]

The interviewer is quite respectful

[@electronlegacy9051]

Peter should be king. The most down to earth one of them ever in my opinion. I have never heard him speak until today but much respect to him.

[@KarenSutherland-tg7su]

Absolutely beautiful 🥰

[@heatherstephens9295]

He’s gorgeous 🤭🤗

[@192know]

What a lovely young man x

[@grimmmunro2279]

What a nice person he is..like his mom, as is zara.😊

[@karynconner7478]

Lovely interview ❤

[@faithmapstone9982]

Very well said, Peter

[@jsmith1071]

When he is King William is going to need the support of his cousins as he can’t do it all alone. I hope that Peter, Zara, Mike etc are able to step in and pick up some of the duties to share the load.

[@wendispencer1064]

Fabulous interview

[@direfranchement]

Heartbreaking.

[@jordana2587]

His daughter’s are beautiful

[@Temme1553]

Wonderful interview. Thank you Peter for agreeing to be interviewed by sky news. Very insightful and inspiring. TL/Texas

[@lizsa3145]

He is so like his father

[@susanhildreth1531]

He is a very underrated member of the RF. He's quite handsome, well spoken, and could certainly be an asset in the future of the monarchy. He and Zara are very well grounded people. Love them both! ❤

[@karin4713]

💕🙏🥰

[@jeandodd873]

What a loverly man peter philips is

[@paulinesmith6205]

Amazing

[@abcAries]

He is great...ill do prefer Ann and her family...Sarah is fantastic as well ❤

[@whipchick90]

I had my four grandparents the entire time I grew up. My Dad's Mom died in 2013, and was the last to die. But I also had three great grandparents until 12th grade! I know I've been lucky.

[@christopherdale7017]

I always liked Peter Phillips a real down to earth guy even though he was the Queen's eldest Grandchildren he and his sister have both shown how to be Royals even though they were not given titles plus I've meet him twice once when his school Gordonstoun Rugby team was touring Australia in 1994 my school played against him and yes we won but very close game and they were not sore losses and he held a conversation with our group even thou he was a busy person doing tour duties he never rushed the Conversation either he was very keen on the history of School boy Rugby in Australia not just Queensland and New South Wales,the other time I meet him was in 1999 before the Rugby World cup where he was doing some duties for his mother been the patron of the Scottish Rugby Union I meet him at the Melrose Rugby club for a dinner leading up to the world cup and at the time he was about to get married because the club I was playing for had a game their that day, again he is one of the most down to earth guys you will ever meet even thou he is considered a minor Royal and he always liked the fact that we treated him like one of the lads and we never bought up the topic of his family but he did mention his cousin wills and Harry and his sister.

[@DeeVioletSkye]

He seems like a nice guy.

[@SuperFerdie1965]

Nice bloke.

[@lauramontague8235]

Really nice hearing Peter Phillips speak. Him and Zara are great role models.

[@user-ew2od8tj2d]

Nice he was with her (QE2) at the end...how wonderful Harriet was NOT there...

[@malcolmnorton4214]

❤

[@robynjefferson4779]

I miss her too.

[@1aikane]

Fortunate fellow

[@Diana-yk7sp]

I've always had a crush on Peter rPhillips. His mother was quite smart not to bestow titles on both of her kids so that they could grow up without the struggles of having Royal duties, etc. Peter and his sister live normal lives and are a credit to both of their parents. I see a little resemblance between Peter and Prince William.

[@rhondabitler5474]

I think he resembles William in a way. More than Harry does anyway

[@jo-annewoodbridge5882]

Yes, I agree. 😊