Despite the ban on gatherings due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many Britons came to lay flowers or pray in front of Windsor Castle on Friday evening after the death of Prince Philip, the husband of Elizabeth II , at the age of 99.

Europe 1 went to meet these upset inhabitants. 

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"We just wanted to come…" Despite the injunctions not to travel due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many British people spontaneously went to Windsor Castle on Friday after the announcement of the death of the Prince Philip, husband of the Queen of England, at the age of 99.

The opportunity to drop flowers, condolence cards, or simply to meditate. 

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A character "more down to earth than the others"

The crowd is scattered, according to the instructions, but Mary could not imagine not coming to greet this prince, who "has always been there".

"We have not known life without him. He supported the queen for 73 years! And he chose that, when he could have had his own success in life ...", she breathes.

"He made the queen who she is and I respect him tremendously." 

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A queen that Prince Philippe always followed three steps behind, as protocol requires.

But "he was really an exception," said Michael, also come to pay homage to the deceased.

"He didn't like formalities, he was a lively, explosive character, very kind, caring and more down to earth than the others. He liked to make people laugh. It's very sad." 

"He showed that it's not your title that makes you who you are"

In front of Windsor Castle, British immigrants also come to mourn the man who was an exile before marrying Elisabeth II.

"I was born in Greece, like him, in Corfu", explains Nektarios, come to pay his respects before the funeral which is announced in small committee.

"He was a symbol for all of us, we admired him. He showed people that it's not your title that makes you who you are, but your character, what you offer to others."