Prince Charles Visited His Mother the Queen at Windsor Castle Hours After Prince Philip's Death

Erin Hill

9 April 2021 at 4:07 pm·3-min read

Prince Charles paid his respects after the death of his father Prince Philip with a visit to see Queen Elizabeth at Windsor Castle on Friday afternoon, PEOPLE has learned.

Charles's visit with his mother came just hours after the Duke of Edinburgh "passed away peacefully" at Windsor Castle, where he and the monarch have spent the majority of the past year amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Philip's death comes just weeks after he returned to Windsor Castle following a month-long hospital stay that included treatment for an infection and a successful procedure for a pre-existing heart condition. He was said to have been "in good spirits" upon his return home, a royal source told PEOPLE.

Listen below to the episode of our daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day where we are looking back at Prince Philip's life and legacy.

Charles was his father's only visitor during his hospitalization. Philip's eldest son and heir to the throne traveled from his home in Gloucestershire, England, to visit him in his first weeks of treatment.

Prince Charles recently expressed his sadness over being separated from his father and the rest of the family during the coronavirus pandemic. The royals, who usually gather for birthdays and festive celebrations, such as Christmas, have been isolated from one another — like families all over the world.

Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images Prince Philip and Prince Charles

"Well, I haven't seen my father for a long time, or my grandchildren or anything. I've been doing the FaceTime, it's all very well, but…," Charles told Sky News.

When asked how he has felt being disconnected from his family during lockdown, he added, "Well, it's terribly sad, let alone one's friends. But, fortunately, at least you can speak to them on the telephones and occasionally do this sort of thing. But it isn't the same, is it? You really just want to give people a hug."

Watch Elizabeth & Philip: A Royal Romance – The True Story Behind the Crown on PeopleTV.com or on the PeopleTV app.

Prince Philip — who retired from his public duties in August 2017 — is survived by his wife of 73 years, Queen Elizabeth, their daughter Princess Anne and their three sons: next-in-line-to-the-throne Prince Charles, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren, including Prince William and Prince Harry and 10 great-grandchildren, including Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Archie and Princess Eugenie's new baby boy, August, whose middle name is Philip.

Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images Prince Charles and Prince Philip

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more

The Queen has entered an eight-day period of mourning following the death of her husband. Following the eight days, a funeral will take place at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.

In a statement, the palace said Friday, "During the coronavirus pandemic, and in light of current government advice and social distancing guidelines, modified funeral and ceremonial arrangements for His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh are being considered by Her Majesty The Queen. Details will be confirmed in due course."