The nation stood in solemn remembrance today as Queen Elizabeth II bid a tearful farewell to her beloved husband, Prince Philip, during an intimate funeral held at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.
With a heavy heart, Her Majesty wiped away tears as she mourned alone, paying her final respects to her “strength and stay” after an extraordinary 73-year life together.
Grief-stricken and filled with reverence, the Queen accompanied Prince Philip’s coffin on its final journey.
Walking behind the casket, their eldest son Prince Charles was visibly moved, shedding tears alongside other devastated members of the royal family.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s casket, draped in his personal standard, was adorned with his sword, naval cap, and a wreath of flowers.
Pallbearers gently placed him onto the extraordinary self-designed Land Rover hearse in the castle-packed quadrangle, surrounded by hundreds of armed personnel.
Following an eight-minute procession and a poignant 50-minute service, Prince Philip’s coffin was lowered into the royal vault.
A lone piper from the Royal Regiment of Scotland played a lament, while buglers from Philip’s beloved Royal Marines sounded the last post.
At the Duke’s specific request, the Royal Marines then played “Action Stations.”
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, pronounced the blessing, and the 30 royal mourners silently filed out of the church and into waiting cars for the short journey back to the castle.
In a touching moment of unity, Prince Harry and Prince William chose to walk back with Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge.
The brothers, seen smiling and engaged in animated conversation, were reunited for the first time in a year, marking a hopeful step towards healing their fractured relationship.
The emotional Queen arrived at the funeral as the national anthem played, her Royal Bentley coming to a stop next to her beloved husband’s coffin.
In a poignant pause, she reflected on their life together as cannons fired and bells tolled in remembrance of the Duke.
Accompanied by a lady-in-waiting, Her Majesty was then driven to St. George’s Chapel, where she sat alone at the front.
During the National Minute’s silence, she stood alone, bowing her head in solemn tribute.
The Royal Procession followed behind the coffin, led by Prince Philip’s children: Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward.
The grandchildren, including Prince William and Prince Harry, walked behind, with their cousin Peter Phillips separating the feuding brothers.
Prince William entered the chapel one place ahead of his younger brother.