Key moments from the day a Land Rover was a hearse carrying Philip’s coffin
MOVEMENT OF THE COFFIN
The slow crunch of gravel could be heard underfoot as eight Grenadier Guards stepped cautiously forward in unison, mastering the unenviable task of moving the duke’s coffin on to his Land Rover hearse.
The coffin was draped in Philip’s 12ft personal standard – with blue lions and red hearts on a yellow background representing Denmark and the arms of the City of Edinburgh among the four quarters.
It was adorned by a wreath of white, spring flowers selected by the Queen, with a handwritten private message, and the duke’s Admiral of the Fleet naval cap and sword.
LAND ROVER HEARSE
Gleaming in the sunshine, the polished green Land Rover TD5 130 ferried the duke’s coffin slowly to the west steps of St George’s Chapel.
It was modified to the duke’s own plans in a project that spanned 16 years and which he finally finished in the year he turned 98.
THE PROCESSION
Beethoven’s dramatic funeral marches, peppered with booming gun salutes and the tolling of the Curfew Tower Bell, formed the soundtrack to the coffin procession, as military chiefs, royals and five members of the duke’s loyal household marched forward to the solemn beat of the drums.
THE EMPTY CARRIAGE SEAT
Philip’s cap, gloves and whip were poignantly placed on the empty seat of his favourite driving carriage, which was pulled into place by his two black Fell ponies.
Also there was the red
sugar lump pot he would take with him to feed the ponies sweet treats after each driving session.
THE QUEEN ALONE
In moving scenes, the Queen was pictured entirely alone in the chapel, ready to say her final farewell to her beloved husband.
Coronavirus restrictions meant the guests, limited to just 30, were forced to sit socially distanced.
THE FACE MASKS
All members of the congregation wore face masks. The Queen’s was black edged in white, and as she entered the Bentley she adjusted the covering for comfort.
THE MINUTE’S SILENCE
People across the UK observed a national minute’s silence at 3pm.
THE EMOTION
Charles’ face was etched with grief as he followed his father’s coffin.
THE FAMILY ISSUES
Beneath the surface, this was a complex family gathering, precariously balancing grief with rifts, slights and scandals. Two dukes – of Sussex and of York – re-entered the public stage for their first appearances at a royal event since stepping down from royal duties amid bombshell broadcasts and controversial claims.
THE LACK OF UNIFORMS
Despite it being a ceremonial royal funeral for a distinguished military figure, not a single member of the royal family was in uniform. The Windsors, with Charles and William both future heads of the armed forces, were in plain morning coats or day dress, uniforms abandoned to spare the difficulties for Harry, who was stripped of his honorary titles, and Andrew, whose future military role still remains ambiguous. But the royal family wore the many medals awarded to them over the years for military duty or for service to the Queen.
THE BROTHERS
William and Harry were initially separated by their older cousin Peter Phillips as they walked behind their grandfather’s coffin. But there were signs of reconciliation as they chatted.