Queen Elizabeth II on Saturday led her family and Britain to pay their last respects to her husband of 73 years, Prince Philips, who died last week a few months short of his centennial, 100th birthday.
Members of the royal family nonetheless cut a sombre picture of sorrow on Saturday as members accompanied Prince Philips to his final resting place, a royal vault on the grounds of Windsor Castle.
Ahead of the chapel service slated for 3pm, the whole of Britain observed a minute’s silence.
The late Duke of Edinburgh had himself helped to plan this funeral, according to palace sources. The final rites were however further moderated by the need to observe all the COVID-19 protocols.
The official Order of Service included hand-picked hymns sung by an abridged choir of four, accompanied by readings and prayers by both the Dean of Windsor and the Archbishop of Canterbury. Rows of uniformed military personnel played pieces of marching music.
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As they quietly walked behind Philip’s coffin into the chapel, the members of the royal family could not hide their grief. Adorned in dark suits, they put on masks as they passed through the chapel doors.
Along with their father, Prince Charles, and a handful of royals, Prince William and Prince Harry walked in the funeral procession. This was the first time in the last one year that the brothers would physically come together in public. Prince Charles wiped tears from his face.
Prince Philips’ coffin was draped in his personal flag, atop of which lay his sword, his naval cap and a flower wreath. The coffin rode in a purpose-built Land Rover that the Duke reportedly designed 18 years ago. The vehicle had on all sides military pallbearers and parade bands.
Waiting for the coffin containing her beloved consort, the widow sat in the ancient chapel, dressed all in black and matching mask. The Queen, 94, sat alone, and dabbed at her tears. She was isolated from the others in keeping with the social distancing imposed by COVID-19 rules.
Hundreds assembled outside the castle despite officials asking crowds not to gather at the funeral. Mourners bore photos and paintings of Philip, with shop windows displaying his depictions.
The Dean then gave the commendation and the Duke’s coffin was lowered into the Royal Vault, where many members of the royal family have been laid to rest.
The Archbishop of Canterbury then pronounced the Blessing before the ceremony was concluded with the national anthem.
The Queen remained seated until the ceremony ended with Philip’s casket lowered into the vault.
The Queen thereafter stood up, and slowly left the chapel.
