Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and husband to Queen Elizabeth II laid to rest at Windsor Castle, sombre monarch sits alone in the chapel

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Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, the husband to Queen Elizabeth II, and the longest-serving royal consort was laid to rest today in a formal funeral service at Windsor Castle today. His passing last week was mourned by the whole family and the entire Commonwealth. The 99-year-old Prince was married to Queen Elizabeth for 73 years and was her constant companion. His mortal remains are interred in the St.George’s Chapel alongside the remains of 24 other royals including three kings of England. But it will likely not be his final resting place.

Queen Elizabeth II led Britain in a one-minute silence in memory of her late husband as she bid him final goodbye at a funeral restricted by coronavirus rules but reflecting his long life of military and public service. The 94-year-old monarch, dressed in mourning black and a black face mask, sat inside St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, as the Duke of Edinburgh's coffin arrived on a bespoke Land Rover which he designed himself. Those in attendance at the ceremony included the queen herself; the children she shares with Prince Philip, Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward; and their grandchildren, including Prince Harry, Prince William, Princess Beatrice, and Princess Eugenie.

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A military gun was fired to signal the start of the solemn tribute, which was observed in shops, railway stations and at sporting events across the country. The public were urged to stay away from the chapel as the funeral took place entirely behind the castle’s stately walls, but small crowds still gathered in Windsor town centre.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The Duke himself had a hand in choosing aspects for his funeral such as the hymns and readings for the service and the Land Rover he commissioned that will carry his coffin. "The ceremonial arrangements are a reflection of the duke’s military affiliations and personal elements of His Royal Highness’s life," a palace spokesperson previously announced.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Following strict social distancing rules during the pandemic, the queen set an example even in grief, sitting apart from family members who were arrayed around the church. Prince Philip died on April 9 just two months shy of his 100th birthday. His coffin was draped in his personal standard and topped with a wreath of flowers and his naval cap and sword. The proceedings of his funeral were broadcast live around the world.

(Source: Instagram)

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