Prince to go out in cardboard eco-coffin

PRINCE Philip is expected to be interred at the Royal Burial Ground in an eco-friendly coffin made of wool as part of the longstanding environmentalist’s wishes and a growing trend in green funerals.

Buckingham Palace is looking into using a custom-made $1600 casket for the Duke, according to The Sun.

Sustainable textile manufacturer AW Hainsworth produces the coffins which are made from wool and reinforced with cardboard, lined with cotton and are 100 per cent biodegradable.

Sales director Rachel Hainsworth told The Sun the Prince “liked the fact the coffins are environmentally friendly, but also the fact that by using British wool we are supporting Britain’s farmers”.

Anne Astorino, director of Australian eco-coffin manufacturer Ethical Caskets said the Prince was making a statement about climate change.

“I’m very pleased to hear of that especially because people often think of sustainable as being of lesser value … this might change that,” she said.

The coffin, which will be draped in his own personal standard, a wreath and his naval sword and cap, will be interred in the Royal Vault.

“If the coffin is going into a vault then because there isn’t dirt and soil to break it down, it may not break down at all. The Prince is really making a statement here,” Ms Astorino said.

Prince Philip’s decision comes as part of a growing shift towards eco-friendly funeral ceremonies.

“There’s more awareness about them then there has ever been particularly in recent months,” she said.

Asha Dooley, general manager of Grace Funerals says eco-friendly funeral alternatives have become increasingly common as people become more concerned about the impact of climate change.

“We’ve certainly seen a trend from the press and in documentaries towards green funerals.”

Prince Philip was an environmental advocate and among the first to highlight climate change in the 1950s.