Sean Kavanagh-Dowsett, the owner of the British Tea Shop in the West Village, recalls the time he visited Buckingham Palace and saw Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in person. His father-in-law received a British Empire award and he was there for the ceremony.

It wasn’t his first time being in the presence of the royal couple. When he was a child, the Queen and Prince Philip visited a factory in his hometown of Newport Pagnell.

"It was very exciting," he said. "We saw the royals. We all stood in the street and waved little flags and all that stuff. And it has all been an important part of my life for a long time."

Kavanagh-Dowsett said he was saddened to learn about the passing of the prince at the age of 99.

The Duke of Edinburgh died Friday morning at Windsor Castle.

Outside Tea & Sympathy, the British flag was lowered to half staff. Inside, a black armband was placed on a cutout of the Queen.

"As soon as we heard the news this morning we thought we should respect it, because it is a sad day for all of us," he said.

Kavanagh-Dowsett owns Tea & Sympathy with his wife of 25 years. He said his thoughts on this day were of the Queen.

He said when was stuck in Britain for three months during the lockdown last year, he had a hard time being away from his wife. He can’t imagine losing a spouse after more than 73 years of marriage.

"I can only imagine the Queen going through so many highs and lows with Philip," he said. "It must really have been her right hand person and to have that taken away I can only imagine and it fills me with sorrow."

He says he will remember Prince Phillip for his humor and frankness and will always admire him for how he embraced the monarchy, as the longest serving consort and oldest male member of the British Royal family.

"He saw it as a vehicle to do good, and I got a genuine sense that he embraced the success of his wife in her role," he said.

Kavanagh-Dowsett thanked Prince Philip for his service, and said he’s not alone in thinking the prince will be missed.