Bespoke Land Rover to carry Philip’s coffin
A bespoke Land Rover hearse that will carry Prince Philip to his final resting place was unveiled.
He had always requested a no-fuss funeral but only 30 mourners will be present at the service because of coronavirus restrictions, which have forced a hasty revision of arrangements.
Only his wife of 73 years, and mostly close family, will attend. The ceremony will be broadcast live on television and the public has been asked to stay away because of the pandemic.
One aspect of the prince’s funeral that will go according to plan will be the inclusion of a Land Rover designed to Philip’s specifications to drive his coffin to St George’s Chapel in the sprawling castle grounds.
The vehicle, painted a specific shade of green favoured by the military and Prince Philip, will have a central role in the funeral as it will be followed on foot by members of the royal family in procession.
The modified Land Rover Defender TD5 has been fitted with an open-top rear section where the prince’s coffin will rest.
Even the metal pins that prevent the casket from moving were to his exact specifications.
“That vehicle’s unique and idiosyncratic silhouette reminds the world that he was above all a practical man, who could take something very traditional – whether a machine or indeed a great national institution – and find a way by his own ingenuity to improve it, to adapt it for the 20th or the 21st century,” Prime Minister Boris Johnson told parliament.
Philip, who served in the British navy during World War II, had close links with the armed forces throughout his life and was known for his love of the outdoors.
Manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover, which makes the off-road vehicles that are popular with the military, began collaborating with Philip as far back as 2003.