KentOnline

bannermobile

News

Sport

Business

What's On

Advertise

Contact

Other KM sites

CORONAVIRUS WATCH KMTV LIVE SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTERS LISTEN TO OUR PODCASTS LISTEN TO KMFM
SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE
News

Prince Philip funeral: Everything you need to know and key timings of Duke of Edinburgh's service at Windsor Castle

By: Ed McConnell emcconnell@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 06:00, 17 April 2021

Updated: 16:17, 17 April 2021

Prince Philip The Duke of Edinburgh's funeral has taken place at Windsor Castle.

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby blessed the congregation and the Duke of Kent Prince Edward was among a select group of mourners to attend the service.

Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh Picture: David Jones/PA

Senior royals followed his coffin on his final journey, as other relatives lined the route ahead of the service.

Around Kent, flags flew at half mast, including one at Leeds Castle, near Maidstone.

Many observed a national minute's silence at 3pm, including Kent Fire and Rescue Service staff who lined up outside stations.

mpu1

The funeral was the first royal funeral at St George's Chapel for 16 years after the Duke passed away peacefully at home aged 99 last Friday.

Events on a sombre and historic day began at 11am when the Duke's coffin, covered with Philip's personal standard along with his sword, naval cap and a wreath of flowers, was moved from the private chapel to the Inner Hall of Windsor Castle by members of The Queen's Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards.

Leeds Castle, near Maidstone, flies a flag at halfmast in honour of the Duke of Edinburgh. @leedscastleuk

The funeral, broadcast live on TV and radio with key updates appearing on KentOnline's national news feed throughout the day, began at 2.40pm.

It was a ceremonial royal funeral, the same as that of The Queen Mother, and not a State Funeral, something that is generally reserved for monarchs.

Due to coronavirus regulations the original list of 800 guests was drastically cut to just 30.

It included Philip's closest family and friends.

The Dean of Windsor conducted the Funeral Service and the Archbishop of Canterbury pronounced the blessing.

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby blessed the congregation

The Royal Family said: "Due to the current public health guidelines, some elements of the funeral plan have been modified, although the day will still be very much in line with His Royal Highness’s wishes."

mpu2

At 2.40pm, the coffin emerged from the State Entrance of Windsor Castle into the Quadrangle, followed by members of the Royal Family walking in the procession.

All those in the Quadrangle gave the coffin a Royal Salute before the coffin was placed onto a custom Land Rover which Philip helped design.

The Queen departed from the Sovereign’s Entrance in the State Bentley.

The procession moved towards St. George’s Chapel, through Engine Court, Chapel Hill Parade Ground and into Horseshoe Cloister, arriving at the West Steps. The procession route was lined by representatives from the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the Highlanders, and 4th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland and the Royal Air Force.

Minute Guns were fired by The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery from the East Lawn of Windsor Castle for the duration of the Procession. The Curfew Tower Bell also tolled.

Read more: Kent student reflects on Duke's legacy

The members of the Royal Family who followed on foot behind the coffin were:

The National Anthem played as the coffin arrived at Horseshoe Cloister, met by representatives from the Commonwealth and a Dismounted Detachment of the Household Cavalry.

The Bearer Party carried the coffin up the West Steps of the Chapel before pausing for a National Minute Silence at 3pm. The Dean of Windsor and the Archbishop of Canterbury then received the coffin.

As the doors to St. George’s Chapel closed, the Royal Navy Piping Party piped the ‘Carry On’.

The following Members of the Royal Family attended the Funeral Service in the Chapel:

At 3pm there was a national minute's silence signalled by a gun fired by The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery.

Afterwards the Dean of Windsor and the Archbishop of Canterbury received Philip's coffin.

As the doors to St George's Chapel closed to the sound of Carry On, the Land Rover, service chiefs, realm defence advisers, bodyguards, military knights of Windsor, along with representatives of services, left in silence during the funeral service.

The congregation wore masks for the service and members of the Royal Family were wearing Day Dress or Morning Coat with medals and not military uniform.

During the service, a small choir of four sang pieces of music chosen by the Duke. The choir was located in the Nave, away from the seated congregation, and in line with public health guidelines there was no congregational singing.

The funeral lasted approximately 50 minutes and at the conclusion Philip’s coffin was lowered into the Royal Vault.

The Dean of Windsor gave the commendation as the coffin was lowered.

A lament was then played by a Pipe Major of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. The piper walked from the North Quire Aisle to The Dean's Cloister.

The Last Post was sounded by buglers of the Royal Marines from the west end of the Nave.

After a period of silence, the Reveille was sounded by the State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry from the west end of the Nave. The buglers of the Royal Marines sounded Action Stations at the specific request of The Duke of Edinburgh.

The Archbishop of Canterbury pronounced the blessing and the National Anthem was sung by the choir.

The Queen, members of the Royal Family and the Duke of Edinburgh’s family then departed the chapel via Galilee Porch.

The Queen arrived in the State Bentley Picture: PA

The full timeline of events for the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral:

Read more: All the latest news from Kent

Read more

More by this author

sticky

© KM Group - 2024