Prince Philips Funeral.

D in Oz thought it was beautiful with weather to match, but I remarked that it was bitterly cold too.

A beautiful funeral carried out in accordance with Prince Philip's wishes. Nothing more anyone could wish for. As a Republican I have done my share of grumping in the days since PP's death was announced, but I was eating humble pie yesterday as I watched the service in its entirety.

God, that's sad!

Did anyone else realise that the Duke died on Charles and Camilla’s wedding anniversary?

The date will always have mixed memories for them now.

Annaram1

I did wonder why the Queen's Lady in Waiting did not sit with her. They rode together in the car.

I quote from today’s Telegraph-

When they arrived at the chapel, Lady Susan, who is one of the Duke of Cambridge’s godparents, was on hand for Her Majesty, but out of sight.

Which suggests to me that if the Queen had been overcome or upset, the lady-in-waiting was close by to give support.

As always, our stoical Queen was amazing.

Yes. He was one of the commissioned officers I was referring to earlier.

Annaram1

It was a very moving funeral. Correct me if I am wrong but I did not see any of the BAME community taking part. That surprised me. Perhaps there were some among the soldiers outside?

There certainly was. One RAF serviceman with previous Army service was interviewed at length prior to the funeral.

Georgesgran

I haven’t seen it yet, but noted the comments about the Queen on her own, looking so small and alone. At my DH’s funeral last month, we were only allowed 15 mourners inside the Crematorium. Seats were laid out in twos, so DH’s sister could sit with me and both DDs could be seated with their husbands.
I wonder why the difference for PP?

We lost my FIL in March 2020, we were only allowed TEN mourners in the crematorium and we were not allowed to sit with our own partners/spouses.

I agree, it was extremely dignified and very fitting, probably more so than it would have been had restrictions not been in place.

So very difficult for the queen, what was so very private has to be shared with the world. I thought the whole event was done so well, so dignified and much more meaningful for being family only without all the usual pomp and heads of state etc

Apparently, as well as Prince Philip’s cap,gloves and whip on the seat of his driving coach, there was also a red sugar lump pot that he used to reward the ponies from after a drive. A lovely touch!

A beautiful service in every way. Utterly gorgeous. I was moved and proud to be British. I'm so glad the weather was perfect it made everything look so fabulous. It must have impressed people wherever it was shown around the world.
I don't think anybody else does it better.

I was surprised that one was Prince Philips lady friend
Do you mean Countess Mountbatten, who is a great friend if the Queen too, Pippa?

She took over the running of Broadlands which has fond memories for HM and the Duke and, of course, is a relative by marriage representing the Mountbatten family.

ayse

I concur with the comments already made. What a fitting ceremony for PP and the family.

I’d go so far as to think that this scaled down event could be taken into the future so that the family can mourn in peace without all the press pushing and shoving for the best picture. It was so dignified.

I feel so sad for the Queen. Seventy three years is a life time of togetherness.

I agree Ayse I think it was much better having the whole funeral in the grounds of Windsor without the immediate family having to face huge crowds and the media.Being televised is enough, but I suppose custom and tradition demand more ceremony.I was all perfectly done, but it was edge of seat stuff when the coffin was being carried up all the steps.

I felt very proud watching this as the service was faultless. We might have our moans about this country but this shows on occasions like this we can hold our heads up. The whole thing was superbly done. The armed forces display was done with perfect precision and we should be proud. God bless our beautiful Queen who has never let us down during her 69 year reign.

I may be mistaken, but when listening to the Dean of Windsor reading, it seemed to me that he too was weighed down by his grief. Being the "house cleric" his personal association with the Duke must have been stronger than most churchmen, I would have thought.

It was wonderful - no awful eulogy, no sermon, just a good meaningful funeral service.

The Lady in Waiting was not a family member, if she had sat with the Queen one family member couldn’t have attended.

The perfect service.
The music was some of the very best.
RIP Prince Philip

the monotone voice was for the funeral and much better than the archbishop of canterbury reading it.

I thought it was incredibly well done, we are the best in the world at these occasions. So many touching moments I cried several times. I vow to me my country always finishes me off!

Charles and Anne looked shell shocked I really felt for them . The music was lovely and the piper and last post particularly poignant.

RIP Prince Philip we won’t see your like again, mores the pity! The poor Queen what an ordeal for her and to have to face her birthday without him so soon

I did wonder why the Queen's Lady in Waiting did not sit with her. They rode together in the car.

There were a good number of BAME members of the Armed Forces present, some of whom were officers. There is no colour bar in the services - not even in the household division regiments. If you apply you have as good a chance as anyone of being accepted. What I particularly like to see are the number of women in regiments like the household cavalry regiments and Kings Troop, the Royal Horse Artillery.

LizH, Thank you for that. I am glad I got it wrong.

The lone piper as the coffin was interred.. Everything else so still and quiet.. I literally held my breath, simply heartbreaking ?