James, Viscount Severn has taken on Prince Philip role within Royal Family | Royal | News | Express.co.uk

James, Viscount Severn has taken on Prince Philip role within Royal Family

JAMES, VISCOUNT SEVERN, the Queen's grandson, took on one of Prince Philip's duties at family gatherings, it was previously revealed.

Prince Philip funeral: Royal Horse Artillery makes way to castle

Philip's funeral will take place today at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. Only 30 members of the Duke of Edinburgh's family will be in attendance due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Queen will sit alone as a precaution.

With the much loved Philip now gone, there is a void to be filled within The Firm.

The Duke's life was shrouded in public service, him having fulfilled royal duties for much of the 73 years he was married to the Queen.

One of the more trivial and personal roles Philip is said to have taken on was chief burger flipper at family barbecues.

Yet, it was previously revealed that his grandson, James, Viscount Severn, 13, the son of Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, had taken over his elder's role.

James, Viscount Severn: The royal took on Prince Philip's role of burger flipper at family BBQs

James, Viscount Severn: The royal took on Prince Philip's role of burger flipper at family BBQs (Image: GETTY)

Prince Philip: The Duke sadly passed away aged 99

Prince Philip: The Duke sadly passed away aged 99 (Image: GETTY)

James is said to be the Queen's favourite grandson, having impressed and delighted her with his skill for fly-fishing during a summer at Balmoral, a pastime favoured by Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother.

The young royal also impressed members with his knack for flipping burgers, something that was usually carried out by Philip.

In 2019, when James was 11, a royal source told The Sun: "[James is] rather good at flipping burgers and liked to get fully involved whenever there was a family barbecue at Balmoral.

"That used to be Prince Philip’s domain, but is less so these days."

JUST INMP demands Commonwealth nation breaks free from Royal Family

Barbecue: Philip was said to have been the 'master of the barbecue' according to Prince Harry

Barbecue: Philip was said to have been the 'master of the barbecue' according to Prince Harry (Image: GETTY)

It was during this period that Philip's health began to decline, after he experienced a "wobble" and proceeded to spend some time at Sandringham recovering.

Philip's expert barbecue skills were referenced in Prince Harry's tribute to his grandfather this week.

Remembering his "charm" and "sharp wit", he said: "My grandfather was a man of service, honour and great humour.

"He was authentically himself, with a seriously sharp wit, and could hold the attention of any room due to his charm — and also because you never knew what he might say next.

"He will be remembered as the longest-reigning consort to the Monarch, a decorated serviceman, a Prince and a Duke.

DON'T MISS

Sarah Ferguson’s sweet gift ‘always brightens up’ Queen's day [REPORT]
Prince Philip funeral LIVE: Queen makes major decision before service [INSIGHT]
Prince Philip honoured with poem read over stunning montage pictures  
[ANALYSIS] 

Royal Family: James pictured with his grandparents

Royal Family: James pictured with his grandparents (Image: GETTY)

Prince Edward: James pictured with his father Edward litter picking on Southsea beach

Prince Edward: James pictured with his father Edward litter picking on Southsea beach (Image: GETTY)

"But to me, like many of you who have lost a loved one or grandparent over the pain of this past year, he was my grandpa: master of the barbecue, legend of banter, and cheeky right ‘til the end."

The Queen's former private chef, Darren McGrady, has similarly commended the Duke on his culinary skills.

He previously described him as the Royal Family's "barbecuer-in-chief".

It was, and still is, a tradition for the royals to gather over the grill at Balmoral Castle, the monarchy's Scottish estate.

Philip's funeral: James will be among the 30 guests at Philip's funeral on Saturday

Philip's funeral: James will be among the 30 guests at Philip's funeral on Saturday (Image: Express Newspapers)

Many summers with Philip were enjoyed there by all of the family.

Meanwhile, the final preparations were being made at Windsor Castle this afternoon ahead of the Duke's funeral.

The ceremony will begin at 3pm.

Prince Harry: The Duke commemorated his grandfather in a statement shortly after the death

Prince Harry: The Duke commemorated his grandfather in a statement shortly after the death (Image: GETTY)

Philip will be interred in the Royal Vault.

This is underneath the Quire of St George's Chapel, where around 44 royals are buried, including Henry VIII, who died in 1547, and Charles I, who was beheaded in 1649.

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?