The world will be watching as Prince Philip is laid to rest on Saturday, April 17.
Queen Elizabeth II’s husband died on April 9, aged 99.
“It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss,” a statement issued by Buckingham Palace read.
The funeral service at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle will be a quiet affair not only because of Prince Philip’s wishes, but also because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
There will be a procession as Philip’s coffin is transported in a custom Land Rover Defender 130-based ‘gun bus’ (built by Foley Specialist Vehicles for the Duke of Edinburgh in 2016), from Windsor Castle to the chapel.
There will be a gun salute and a national minute of silence in honour of the duke’s life.
Philip’s casket will also be adorned with something very special.
According to the BBC, Prince Philip will have his personal flag draped over his coffin during the funeral.
The flag includes four square sections:
- The left corner- a yellow background with red hearts and blue dragons, which represent the Danish coat of arms.
- The top right- the white cross from the national flag of Greece.
- The bottom left- black and white vertical stripes to represent the Mountbatten family.
- The bottom right- a castle that represents Edinburgh, in honour of his title the Duke of Edinburgh.
Inside St. George’s Chapel, Philip’s medals and awarded military decorations, as well as his field marshal’s baton and Royal Air Force wings will also be displayed on cushions.
When the funeral is over, the Duke of Edinburgh will be taken to his final resting place in the royal vault.
*More on GCT: Prince Philip’s birth certificate in Greek is found lying buried for 99 years
