Prince Philip is laid to rest as somber queen sits alone
WINDSOR, England — As military bands played and a procession of royals escorted his coffin to the church, Prince Philip was laid to rest Saturday in a funeral ceremony that honored his lifetime of service to the U.K., the crown and his wife of 73 years, Queen Elizabeth II.
The widowed British monarch, setting an example amid the pandemic, sat alone at the ceremony, dressed in black and with her head bowed in prayer.
Philip, who died April 9 at the age of 99, was laid to rest in the Royal Vault at Windsor Castle after a funeral service steeped in military and royal tradition — but also pared down and infused with his own personality. People across Britain observed one minute of silence in honor of Philip just before his royal ceremonial funeral got underway.
Following strict social distancing rules, the queen sat apart from family members arrayed around the church. Just 30 mourners were allowed to attend the service at St. George’s on the grounds of Windsor Castle, where the queen has stayed to avoid COVID-19.
Other royals who were in family bubbles were sitting together.
Prince William and his brother, Prince Harry, are seen walking and chatting together after the service for their grandfather Prince Philip.
The service began with Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby entering the chapel ahead of the coffin, followed by Philip’s children and three of his eight grandchildren, as a four-member choir sang, “I am the resurrection and the life.”
Philip’s coffin emerged from the State Entrance of Windsor Castle as those taking part in the ceremonial procession for his funeral took their places. It was loaded on a specially adapted Land Rover, designed by Philip himself, for the eight-minute journey to St. George’s Chapel. Senior military commanders lined up in front of the vehicle, with members of the royal family following behind.
The queen rode in a state Bentley at the rear of the procession. The entire procession and funeral took place out of public view within the grounds of the castle, a 950-year-old royal residence west of London. It was shown live on television.
Philip’s coffin was draped in his personal standard, and topped with his Royal Navy cap and sword and a wreath of flowers.
The funeral reflected Philip’s military ties, both as a ceremonial commander of many units and as a veteran of war. More than 700 military personnel took part, including army bands, Royal Marine buglers and an honor guard drawn from across the armed forces.
Those marching into place included soldiers of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, who were firing a gun salute, Guards regiments in scarlet tunics and bearskin hats, Highlanders in kilts and sailors in white naval hats.
Philip was deeply involved in the funeral planning, and aspects of it reflect his personality, including his love of the rugged Land Rover. Philip drove several versions of the four-wheel-drive vehicle for decades until he was forced to give up his license at 97 after a crash.
The children of the queen and Philip — heir to the throne Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward — walked behind the hearse.
Philip, who died April 9 at the age of 99, was laid to rest in the Royal Vault at Windsor Castle after a funeral service steeped in tradition.
Grandsons Prince William and Prince Harry also walked behind the coffin, although not side by side. The brothers, whose relationship has been strained amid Harry’s decision to quit royal duties and move to California, flanked their cousin Peter Phillips, the son of Princess Anne.
The moment stirred memories of the image of William and Harry at 15 and 12, walking behind the coffin of their mother, Princess Diana, in 1997, accompanied by their grandfather Philip, in a London ceremony televised around the world.
Inside the Gothic chapel, the setting for centuries of royal weddings and funerals, the service was simple and somber. There was no sermon, at Philip’s request, and no family eulogies or readings, in keeping with royal tradition. But Dean of Windsor David Conner said the country had been enriched by Philip’s “unwavering loyalty to our queen, by his service to the nation and the Commonwealth, by his courage, fortitude and faith.”
Philip spent almost 14 years in the Royal Navy and saw action in the Mediterranean Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific during World War II. Several elements of his funeral had a maritime theme, including the hymn “Eternal Father, Strong to Save,” which is associated with seafarers and asks God: “O hear us when we cry to thee / For those in peril on the sea.”
As Philip’s coffin was lowered into the Royal Vault, Royal Marine buglers sounded “Action Stations,” an alarm that alerts sailors to prepare for battle — a personal request from Philip.
Philip was placed in the vault alongside the remains of 24 other royals, including three kings of England. But it will probably not be his permanent resting place. After the queen’s death, she and Philip are expected to be buried in the Royal Burial Ground on the Frogmore Estate close to Windsor Castle.
Along with Philip’s children and grandchildren, the 30 funeral guests included other senior royals and several of his German relatives. Philip was born a prince of Greece and Denmark and, like the queen, is related to a thicket of European royal families.
Ahead of the funeral, Buckingham Palace released a photo of the queen and Philip, smiling and relaxing on blankets in the grass in the Scottish Highlands in 2003. The palace said the casual photo was a favorite of the queen.
For decades, Philip was a fixture of British life, renowned for his founding of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards youth program and for a blunt-spoken manner that at times included downright offensive remarks. He lived in his wife’s shadow, but his death has sparked a reflection about his role and new appreciation from many in Britain.
“He was a character, an absolute character,” said Jenny Jeeves as she looked at the floral tributes in Windsor. “He was fun, he was funny. Yes, he made quite a few gaffes, but it depends which way you took it, really. Just a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, and a good example to all of us, really.”
Prince Philip was old school even as the royal family changed around him.
Hundreds of people lined the streets outside Windsor Castle to pay their respects to Philip. Some held flowers and flags, while others wore custom masks featuring the royal’s photo.
People poured into the town of Windsor for the occasion Saturday, although road signs in the area warned against all nonessential travel.
While some expressed sadness that the country could not fully commemorate Philip’s death, others said the royal family was “setting an example” by limiting numbers.
“I’m quite torn about the measures. I think the country is missing out on something,” resident Ian Mawhinney said. “Having a small event is not what they would have wanted, but they will adapt and honor [Philip] in their own way.”
Sasha Spicer, who wore a Union Jack flag poncho, said she turned up to say “thanks for service to the country and that we’ll miss you.”
“He was a fantastic role model and someone who was known for his banter. Quite a character.
“The queen is going to miss him. ... They were best friends. I feel for her,” she said.
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