The funeral of Prince Philip, the ceremony

I funeral of Philip they took place as the prince requested. The band of the Grenadiers, the procession led by relatives, in line the five people who, between private and professional, were closest to him. Every detail, in the funeral ceremony that, on Saturday 17 April, brought the royal family to gather, once again, in St George’s Chapel, inside the Windsor estate, was a reflection of the last wishes of the Duke of Edinburgh, died on 9 April at the age of 99. Philip asked that the elements that most comforted him in life animate his last farewell to the things of the world. And so it was.

A cannon shot marked the start of the funeral, then the long whistle of the Royal Navy sailors. The coffin, carried by the beloved green Land Rover, was lifted by the Royal Marines and a minute of silence preceded its entry into the Chapel of St. George. England wept, taciturn. Kate Middleton, dressed in black, she held her chin up while Elizabeth II, arriving in Windsor in a dark Bentley, seemed to falter, bent with pain and age. “We were inspired by Philip’s unwavering loyalty to the Queen, his service to the nation and the Commonwealth,” began the Archbishop of Canterbury, whose words were followed by the sailors’ prayer. A first reading by the clergyman marked the rite, while the cameras lingered on the faces of the family members. Edward, Princess Anne, the Queen and her grandchildren, despite themselves protagonists of the entire funeral ceremony.

Several times, the media eye has sought the face of the principe Harry. Several times, he focused on that of the principe William, close to his wife’s side. The two, however, never looked at each other, and the ritual continued. Without a sermon, without praise, as Philip wanted. The funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh closed with the reading of the honors received. Then, the bagpipes, the Royal Marines’ Last Assignment, the Cavalry. Finally, the blessing of the dean and the English anthem. God save the Queen it rang through the Chapel of San Giorgio and those present, one in line to the other, left the church, destined for the private burial of Prince Philip.

You may also like