Despite millions of people around the world watching Prince Philip's funeral on Saturday (April 17), the limited guest list meant that the ceremony truly became an intimate family occasion.

As a result of Covid restrictions, only 30 guests were permitted to attend, meaning that only close family members were present. These included the Queen, Prince Charles, Prince Andrew, Princess Anne, and, of course, brother Prince William and Prince Harry.

It cannot be denied that despite viewers watching the funeral to pay their final respects to the late Duke, eyes were firmly on the siblings following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's groundbreaking interview with Oprah Winfrey last month.

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Their grandfather's funeral marked the first time the princes had been seen together since the interview, and the public waited with bated breath to see how the brothers would interact with one another.

Viewers first caught a glimpse of the siblings as they walked in the procession behind a modified Land Rover carrying Prince Philip's coffin - but they were separated by Princess Anne's only son, Peter Phillips.

Then, following the 50-minute ceremony, many viewers breathed a sigh of relief as both William and Harry could be seen walking and talking together alongside Kate Middleton.

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And after watching the moment closely, people on social media have heaped praise on the Duchess of Cornwall for "stepping back" in order to "allow" the brothers share a moment together.

One Twitter user wrote: "I loved how Kate stepped away, to give William & Harry alone time".

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Another typed: "Awww William and Harry walking & talking together, and Classy Kate stepping aside to give them space after #PrincePhilipfuneral.. this Mama's heart is full of Joy seeing this."

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A third posted: "What a class act from Kate Middleton. She let the brothers walk and talk side by side #PrincePhilipFuneral".

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"Good ol' Duchess Kate; playing a key role in getting the brothers speaking again - showing us all THAT'S how you put your partner first," another typed, adding: "She is a stronger, more selfless person than I ever credited xx".

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A fifth praised the Duchess, writing: "Kate Middleton stepping back to let two brothers unite in grief and love. So lovely to see".

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Another echoed: "I love that Kate stepped back and walked with Sophie & Lady Louise while the boys talked."

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Kate also paid tribute to both the Queen and Princess Diana by wearing a pearl choker previously worn by the two royals in the past.

The Duchess had previously worn the statement jewelry piece to a celebration dinner to commemorate the 70th wedding anniversary of the Queen and Prince Philip back in 2017.

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Kate's sister-in-law, Meghan Markle, was sadly unable to attend the ceremony under the guidance of her physicians.

People confirmed that the Duchess of Sussex was watching the ceremony from her home in Montecito, California, after she was not cleared to travel so far along in her pregnancy.

Featured image credit: PA Images / Alamy

Viewers heap praise on Kate Middleton for 'stepping away' to give William and Harry time together