Nation falls silent in memory of Duke of Edinburgh
The Queen and her family gathered to say farewell to Philip
Last updated 17th Apr 2021
The nation has fallen silent in memory of the Duke of Edinburgh as his funeral marking a life of service, devotion and duty began.
The Queen and her family gathered to say farewell to Philip, who died peacefully just over a week ago at Windsor Castle and was hailed as the “grandfather” of the country by his son the Duke of York.
Covid-19 regulations reduced the scope of the service with public elements cancelled, mourners reduced from around 800 to just 30, and all guests wearing face masks and sitting apart.
As the funeral began the nation came to a halt to observe a minute’s silence in memory of the duke who died a few months short of his 100th birthday.
In weather more like summer than spring, the Prince of Wales and Princess Royal had led senior royals in walking behind their father’s coffin the short distance from the castle to St George’s Chapel.
Philip’s coffin was carried on a custom-built Land Rover Defender hearse designed by the duke and modified over 16 years.
It was followed for part of its final journey by the Queen, who travelled in a Bentley with Lady Susan Hussey, with her trusted lady-in-waiting – with both wearing facemasks.
Watching as it passed were royal mourners including the Duchess of Cornwall, Duchess of Cambridge, Countess of Wessex and her children Viscount Severn and Lady Louise Windsor.
Zara and Mike Tindall, Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank were also in attendance.
The Duke of Sussex and Duke of Cambridge joined the procession but were separated by their cousin Peter Phillips. They were seated opposite one another in St George’s Chapel during the service, with William next to wife Kate.
Cutting a solitary figure at the front of the quire, nearest the altar, the Queen sat apart from her children.
There was a space left beside her where her husband of 73-years the duke would have sat.
Philip’s death left the monarchy grieving in private, but they made public appearances to recognise the support and condolences received throughout the week from the nation
Covid regulations have reduced the scope of the service with public elements cancelled, mourners reduced from around 800 to just 30, and all guests wearing face masks and sitting apart.
The public have been visiting Windsor, bathed in bright spring sunshine, to pay their respects and leave flowers at the castle gates.
Philip’s coffin has throughout the week been resting in Windsor Castle’s private chapel and at 11am it was moved by a bearer party from the Queen’s Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards to the royal residence’s inner hall.
The duke had a close association with the regiment serving as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards for 42 years.
His coffin was covered with a wreath, his sword, Naval cap and his personal standard.
The Poet Laureate has published The Patriarchs – An Elegy, which pays tribute to Philip’s distinguished career in the Royal Navy and refers to his generation as “husbands to duty” and “great-grandfathers from birth”.