Prince George Pays Tribute To Prince Philip As He Smiles While Sitting On A Land Rover In New Birthday Portrait
July 22 2021, Published 12:05 p.m. ET
Prince George gave a subtle shout-out to his late great-grandfather, Prince Philip, in his latest portrait, which was released on his eighth birthday.
In the new snap, the tot is pictured on the hood of a Land Rover Defender — a brand that Philip, who died in April, cherished.
When the late Duke's funeral took place, a custom Land Rover hearse carried the coffin.
"The hearse was built using a Land Rover Defender TD5 130 chassis cab vehicle, which was made at Land Rover’s factory in Solihull in 2003 and subsequently modified," a statement from Buckingham Palace said, adding that Philip and Land Rover began creating the vehicle 18 years ago.
Philip had been a huge fan of the company, and he even gave them his Royal Warrant — "a mark of recognition to people or companies who have regularly supplied goods or services to HM The Queen, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh or HRH The Prince of Wales or their Households," per the royal website.
"We are deeply privileged to have enjoyed a very long and happy association with The Duke of Edinburgh over many decades. We are also honored that the Land Rover which The Duke designed will be used at the funeral on Saturday," Thierry Bolloré, Jaguar Land Rover’s Chief Executive, said in a statement. "The Duke was a tremendous champion for design, engineering and technology. During his visits to our sites he engaged with hundreds of employees and demonstrated his impressive knowledge and deep interest in vehicle design, engineering and manufacturing. The Duke was a truly remarkable man and will be greatly missed."
In May, Kate Middleton and Prince William revealed that their three children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis — were still thinking about Philip.
"The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge thank you for your kind words following the death of the Duke of Edinburgh," a thank you note from the couple read. "Their Royal Highnesses have been incredibly moved by the many thoughtful messages they have received in recent weeks."
It continued, "They will all miss their much loved grandfather and great-grandfather, but your message has provided great comfort at this difficult time."
