Prince Philip’s funeral took place on Saturday April 17, a week after the Prince Consort’s death on April 9. The ceremony was held at St George’s Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle in the presence of 30 guests, under pandemic rules.
After the ceremony, Prince Philip will rest first in the Royal Vault in Frogmore Gardens. His coffin will join that of Queen Elizabeth II when she dies. He will then be buried next to his wife, in the memorial chapel of the royal cemetery.
As the Duke of Edinburgh wished, it was a simple and understated ceremony. Indeed, the prince consort did not want a national funeral.
Tributes from the population
During this week of mourning, the British expressed their emotion to the royal family. They left messages and flowers in front of the gates of Buckingham.
In order to avoid crowds, the palace asked the subjects of his Majesty not to travel and to follow the funeral on television. However, some preferred to go to Windsor to pay their last tribute to the Prince.
Military parades opened the ceremony which began with a minute of silence at 3 p.m. (4 p.m. in Paris) in London and across the country. The regiments including that of the Queen’s Grenadiers then marched. The coffin disposed on the green Land Rover, designed with the help of Prince Philip, joined the main entrance to the castle; a procession followed.
Procession of relatives
The procession started behind the castle walls and lasted 8 minutes. It consisted mainly of members of the royal family and took place on foot. Only the Queen, followed in her Bentley, accompanied by a maid of honor. The number of people present in the chapel being limited, the sovereign entered alone. The Archbishop of Canterbury greeted the Sovereign at the entrance to the chapel.
Prince Charles, Princess Anne opened the procession, followed by their brothers, Princes Andrew and Edward. Princes William and Harry arrived next, separated by their cousin, Peter Phillips, son of Princess Anne. Behind them, the 3 representatives of the German family of the Duke of Edinburgh: Bernhard, hereditary prince of Baden, grandson of Theodora, Prince Philipp of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, grandson of Margarita and Heinrich-Donatus of Hesse, a cousin . Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Laurence (husband of Princess Anne) and the Earl of Snowdon (son of the late Princess Margaret) brought up the rear.
In addition, the regiments entered in music inside the building before the entry of the coffin carried by the Grenadier Guards.
In the courtyard, we could see the carriage of Prince Philip, driven by the Fell ponies (endangered species) named Balmoral Nevis and Notlaw Storm, accompanied by 2 grooms. The prince himself had designed this carriage.
The coffin
The Duke of Edinburgh had chosen his coffin himself more than thirty years ago. This is an English oak piece, also opted for the Sovereign. In addition, English oak is lined with lead to prevent moisture from entering and thus keep the body in good condition as long as possible. Leverton & Sons funeral directors are in charge of the royal funeral.
The flag of Greece, Prince Philip’s country of origin, and the black and white bands of the Mountbatten family covered the coffin. The heraldic representation of the city of Edinburgh and the 3 arms of the flag of the royalty of Denmark completed them. Prince Philip’s navy cap, his sword and a wreath of fresh flowers were placed on the coffin.
The religious ceremony
David Conner, Dean of Windsor, spoke and the religious songs began. He praised « the memory of a man who gave unwavering support to the Queen. » A choir of four singers performed music chosen by the Duke of Edinburgh.
Queen Elizabeth II was alone in a box, all in black dressed like the rest of the guests. The princes have joined their families. Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton faced Prince Harry. The latter came alone, his wife Meghan Markle, unable to travel due to her pregnancy.
Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury read a passage from the Gospel of Saint John. At a request from Prince Philip, the choir sang Psalm 104 set to music. It was performed thus for the first time on the occasion of his 75th birthday.
Then the Garter’s herald at arms cited the titles and medals of Prince Philip. The latter himself had chosen the medals on the altar.
After the Archbishop of Canterbury’s blessing, St George’s Choir performed the British national anthem, God Save the Queen. The guests greeted the casket with a final farewell.
Prince Philip’s coffin has joined the « Royal Vault ». It will remain in this crypt until the death of Elizabeth II. The reunited couple will then be buried in the chapel of the Memorial of King George VI, father of Elizabeth II.
the Royal Scots Regiment played some bagpipe notes after the Royal Marines trumpets.
End of the ceremony
Queen Elisabeth II got back into her car as the rest of the family set off on foot towards Windsor Castle.
On the way, Prince Harry and his brother William exchanged a few words.
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