Prince Philip's touching funeral - Dignified service, Queen's heartbreaking photo and custom Land Rover hearse
Prince Philip's funeral was watched by millions around the worldThe ceremonial royal funeral of Prince Philip took place on April 17, 2021, watched by more than 13 million people. We look back at the touching moments that have left a mark on people around the globe.
Covid-19 restrictions at the time meant some elements had to be changed, but it followed the Duke of Edinburgh’s wishes for his farewell.
Broadcast live on television and radio, millions tuned in to say goodbye to Britain’s longest-serving prince consort.
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Prince Philip’s funeral service
Prince Philip arranged the majority of his own funeral, before his death at 99 years old. The duke passed away from ‘old age’ following a month-long stint in hospital for treatment for a pre-existing heart condition. It came after a heartbreaking confession he made about death.
The Queen was said to be by his side in his final days at home in Windsor Castle.
Her Majesty, along with her four children and grandchildren, bid farewell to the Prince at St George’s Chapel in Windsor.
Only 30 guests were allowed to attend the service due to Covid-19 restrictions. No members of The Firm were in military uniform, instead, the men wore morning coats with their medals, and women black day dresses.
A custom-built Land Rover hearse carried the Duke of Edinburgh’s coffin, paying homage to the beloved vehicle he loved and designed.
The Queen paid tribute to her family at Prince Philip’s funeral, wearing a diamond Richmond brooch. She had worn the brooch, from her grandmother Queen Mary’s collection, on many royal engagements in the early years of her reign where her husband was by her side. The late monarch had also worn it to military remembrance events previously.
The nation remained in a period of national mourning following the service, and the royals undertook two weeks of national mourning, which ended on April 22.
Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral procession
Members of The Queen’s Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, had the honour of moving the duke’s body and leading the procession to the chapel. The band was followed by the Major General’s party and military chiefs of staff. This included First Sea Lord Admiral Tony Radakin and Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir Nicholas Carter.
Shortly after 2.20pm, we saw members of the royal family who were taking part in the procession: King Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward. Philip’s grandsons Prince William and Harry also joined them, as well as The Princess Royal’s son Peter Phillips who stood in between them. It was the first time Prince Harry and William saw each other after the Duke of Sussex left the UK with wife Meghan Markle. Anne’s husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, and the Earl of Snowdon were also in the procession.
Other members of the procession included members of Prince Philip’s staff, including private secretary Brigadier Archie Miller Bakewell, two pages, two valets and a personal protection officer.
Who attended Prince Philip’s funeral?
On top of the royal family members in the procession, the other guests included Philip’s children and grandchildren’s significant others. Prince Edward’s wife, Sophie, and their children Lady Louise Windsor and Viscount Severn, attended the funeral, as well as Kate Middleton.
The children of the Queen’s sister Princess Margaret (Lady Sarah Chatto, her husband Daniel Chatto, and David Armstrong-Jones, the second Earl of Snowdon), as well as three of the Duke’s relatives from Germany also attended – Bernhard, Hereditary Prince of Baden; Prince Donatus, Landgrave of Hesse; and Prince Philipp of Hohenlohe-Langenburg.
Princess Alexandra, Countess Mountbatten of Burma – Penelope Knatchbull – the Duke of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent also sat inside the chapel.
Philip’s grandchildren, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie and Zara Tindall also bid farewell, with their partners – Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Jack Brooksbank and Mike Tindall.
The now Queen Camilla was sat in between Charles and Lady Louise, opposite the Queen.
Guests were spaced out on either sides of the altar due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Elizabeth travelled to Prince Philip’s funeral with her lady-in-waiting Susan Hussey, but once inside the chapel, was forced to sit on her own.
Meghan Markle did not attend the funeral, but provided a wreath to be laid during the service. It was made up of locally sourced flowers and featured a handwritten note from the Duchess of Sussex.
Read more: Prince Philip’s turbulent younger years were filled with exile, tragedy and uncertainty
Order of Service
The Dean of Windsor recited prayers at 2.10m before leaving by car to St George’s Chapel, where the funeral took place.
At 2.45pm, the procession set off and lasted for eight minutes. It was accompanied by the firing of minute guns by The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery from the East Lawn and the sound of the Curfew Tower Bell.
A royal salute was given by the Windsor Castle Guard as the coffin passed the Parade Ground.
At 3pm a gun fired by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery signalled the National Minute’s Silence.
At 3.01pm, the Dean of Windsor and the Archbishop of Canterbury received the coffin, followed by those who walked in the procession.
The funeral service, conducted by the Dean of Windsor, lasted for 50 minutes, before Prince Philip’s coffin was lowered through the floor of the chapel and into the royal vault.
The Archbishop of Canterbury pronounced the blessing, after which the national anthem was sung.
Prince Philip also chose the music for his funeral, performed by a small choir of four singers.
No members of the royal family read passages from the Bible, lessons, readings and there was no eulogy. There was also no sermon, as per Philip’s wishes.
Read more: Why Prince Philip’s will was sealed for 90 years after his death
Prince Philip’s coffin
Prince Philip’s coffin was covered with his personal standard and topped with a Royal Navy officer’s sword, naval cap and a wreath of flowers chosen by Queen Elizabeth II.
One small detail many royal fans may have missed is the significance of the flowers. The floral wreath included white lilies, roses, jasmine, freesias and sweet peas. The sweet peas are often associated with remembrance and departures.The white rose is a sign of respect, and is also the flower of Philip’s birth month, June. The white wax flowers symbolise a lasting love and jasmine is a symbol of purity.
A handwritten note signed by the late Queen was also on top of Prince Philip’s coffin at his funeral, inside a black-trimmed card.
Inside were her final words to the man she had loved for more than 73 years – her final farewell.
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