Prince Philip funeral : Union flags raised over royal palaces as Queen continues to grieve for husband
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Union flags flying over the royal palaces and Number 10 have been raised from half mast to mark the end of the period of national mourning for Prince Philip.
Video footage showed the flags outside Buckingham Palace and the prime minister’s official residence being raised on Sunday morning, while other official buildings across the country followed suit.
While the period of national mourning has ended, the Queen will continue to grieve her husband and the royal family will mark a further week of official mourning.
The nation fell silent in memory of the Duke of Edinburgh on Saturday afternoon, as the funeral ceremony marking his life of duty took place at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.
The duke’s “unwavering loyalty” to the monarch was highlighted at the service, as the Queen bid a final farewell to her beloved husband – her “strength and stay” through 73 years of marriage.
The funeral reunited Prince William and Prince Harry after their much-publicised fall-out. Although they sat opposite each other inside the chapel, the brothers were seen talking together as they left the ceremony.
- Prince Philip’s secret return visit to the island of his birth
- The meaning behind the music performed at the service
- Meghan Markle handwrote a message to Prince Philip ahead of funeral
- Kate Middleton’s pearl necklace is a touching tribute to Prince Philip
- Duke’s coffin filmed being lowered into royal vault by electric motor
‘Overwhelming feeling of sadness’
Soldiers in the British Army have paid tribute to Philip ahead of his funeral.
In a video shared on the army’s official Twitter account, one said: “On Saturday when we fire the guns, it’s going to be an overwhelming feeling of sadness, because I think that is when it will hit us.”
Meanwhile, young sailors at the Duke of Edinburgh’s former school in Moray have led tributes in Scotland. Pupils aboard Gordonstoun’s 80ft sail training boat have laid a wreath off the coast of Hopeman Harbour, where Philip first learned to sail.
Poet Laureate Simon Armitage reads his tribute to Philip
Simon Armitage has said his new poem The Patriarchs – An Elegy deliberately avoids the sycophancy he thinks the duke would have hated. It contains some very lovely lines:
“Husbands to duty, they unrolled their plans
across billiard tables and vehicle bonnets,
regrouped at breakfast. What their secrets were
was everyone’s guess and nobody’s business.”
Choir to sing Benjamin Britten at funeral
Buckingham Palace has released more funeral details. A small choir of four will sing pieces of music chosen by Prince Philip, but in line with government guidelines, there will be no congregational singing.
The choir will sing Eternal Father, Strong to Save, an adaption of Psalm 104 and Benjamin Britten’s Jubilate in C. The occasion will end with The Last Post, sounded by Buglers of the Royal Marines.
‘Thoughts with the Queen,’ says Starmer
Labour leader Keir Starmer said his thoughts are with the Queen and royal family ahead of Prince Philip’s funeral – and again paid tribute to his legacy in setting up the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.
“Today, my thoughts are with The Queen, everyone in the royal family and the British people who will be mourning and remembering Prince Philip,” he tweeted.
‘People are out to support the royal family’
Hundreds of people have gathered to watch the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery arrive at Windsor Castle ahead of the funeral.
Kern Kelly, 56, told The Independent: “[Philip] had a heart of gold. It’s great that people are out here to support the royal family, and I think the Queen needs that. A lot of people wanted to come out and show their support – all cultures, all sorts of people.”
Covid restrictions meant a pared-down funeral and fewer people are visiting the town to mark occasion. Despite the smaller scale, Lucinda Lohse, 27, said: “It’s really sad. But it’s lovely to be here to see everyone wanting to be part of the day, as best we can.”
‘Sombre but celebratory,’ says armed forces chief
The Archbishop of Canterbury has arrived at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. The Most Rev Justin Welby will preside over the funeral, alongside the Dean of Windsor.
They will receive the coffin after the minute’s silence at 3pm marking the start of the funeral.
Meanwhile, the Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir Nick Carter, has said the funeral for the Duke of Edinburgh will be a “sombre moment” but also a “celebratory moment” of a life well-lived.
“I think there won’t be a serviceman or servicewoman on parade today who won’t have their chest swelling with pride,” he told Sky News.
William and Kate arrive
Prince William and Kate Middleton have now arrived at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle for the duke’s funeral. The couple were pictured dressed in black wearing face masks as they were driven inside.
Prince Charles, and Mike Tindall and Zara Phillips have also arrived at St George’s Chapel, along with some of the 30 other guests.
‘End of an era’: Public pay respects at Windsor
Hundreds of people have gathered in the sunshine to watch the funeral procession at Windsor Castle ahead of the funeral.
Patrick, 28, told The Independent: “It’s an end of an era – there was a lot of stability, a bedrock, that came from the monarch and her partner. It’s a sad day for the country.”
Meghan Markle watching from home
Meghan Markle is understood to be watching Prince Philip’s funeral on TV from her home in the US. The Duchess of Sussex was not cleared for travel by her doctor at this stage in her pregnancy.
The card on the wreath left for the Duke by the Sussexes in St George’s Chapel was handwritten by Megan.
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, will be wearing his KCVO Neck Order and Star, his Afghanistan campaign medal, Gold Jubilee medal, and Diamond Jubilee medal at his grandfather’s funeral today.
Meghan Markle watching Prince Philip’s funeral from home after being unable to travel due to pregnancy
Duchess had been ‘hopeful’ to attend
Funeral procession set to begin
Grenadier Guardsmen carrying the duke’s coffin have emerged from the castle’s state entrance and placed it in the specially-created Land Rover.
Members of the royal family who will walk in the funeral procession followed the coffin – set to begin its journey to St George’s Chapel.
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