Prince Philip funeral : Union flags raised over royal palaces as Queen continues to grieve for husband
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Your support makes all the difference.Union flags flying over the royal palaces and Number 10 have been raised from half mast to mark the end of the period of national mourning for Prince Philip.
Video footage showed the flags outside Buckingham Palace and the prime minister’s official residence being raised on Sunday morning, while other official buildings across the country followed suit.
While the period of national mourning has ended, the Queen will continue to grieve her husband and the royal family will mark a further week of official mourning.
The nation fell silent in memory of the Duke of Edinburgh on Saturday afternoon, as the funeral ceremony marking his life of duty took place at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.
The duke’s “unwavering loyalty” to the monarch was highlighted at the service, as the Queen bid a final farewell to her beloved husband – her “strength and stay” through 73 years of marriage.
The funeral reunited Prince William and Prince Harry after their much-publicised fall-out. Although they sat opposite each other inside the chapel, the brothers were seen talking together as they left the ceremony.
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- The meaning behind the music performed at the service
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- Duke’s coffin filmed being lowered into royal vault by electric motor
Royals join funeral procession
The senior members of the royal family have joined the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral procession, which has set off with the coffin for St George’s Chapel.
Walking behind are Philip’s children – Prince Charles, princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward – while in front of the coffin are the Services chiefs.
Prince William and Prince Harry are behind the four children, but are not walking shoulder to shoulder during the funeral procession – separated by their cousin Peter Phillips.
The Queen arrives for funeral service
William and Harry sit opposite as service gets under way
The Duke of Sussex and Duke of Cambridge are sitting opposite one another in St George’s Chapel, as the brothers bid farewell to their grandfather.
The members of the royal family in the procession quickly put on their face masks as they entered the chapel.
“We have been inspired by his unwavering loyalty to our Queen, by his service to the nation and the Commonwealth, by his courage, fortitude and faith,” says the Dean of Windsor.
Benjamin Britten music was written for Duke
If you are following the service and are interested in the music, a four-strong St George’s Chapel choir is performing perform the only hymn of the ceremony, William Whiting’s Eternal Father, Strong to Save, and three additional songs written at the behest of Prince Philip.
The Jubliate, which was written by English composer Benjamin Britten for the St George’s Choir at the Duke’s request, translates literally to “song of joy”.
The meaning behind the music performed at Prince Philip’s funeral
Late royal planned every element of his funeral over 18 years, including the music to be played during the ceremony
‘Go forth upon thy journey’
The Dean of Windsor, who is leading the service, gave the commendation: “Go forth upon thy journey from this world, O Christian soul; In the name of God the Father Almighty who created thee; In the name of Jesus Christ who suffered for thee; In the name of the Holy Spirit who strengthen thee.
“May thy portion this day be in peace, and thy dwelling in the heavenly Jerusalem. Amen.”
Topless protester taken away by police outside castle
A topless protester has been taken away by police near Windsor Castle after she shouted “save the planet” following the minute’s silence for Prince Philip.
The woman ran in front of the crowds outside as it started clapping following the start of the service. She then jumped onto a statue of Queen Victoria, before police officers apprehended her and led her away.
‘Topless’ woman taken away by police outside Prince Philip’s funeral
A topless woman has been apprehended by police at the funeral of Prince Philip after loudly protesting towards the end of a minute’s silence for the royal.
The Last Post sounds as Philip’s funeral ends
Four Royal Marines buglers sounded The Last Post at the ceremony’s close. After the blessing, pronounced by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the congregation remained standing as the choir sang the national anthem – bringing the funeral to an end at 3.50pm.
The Queen and her family left the Chapel escorted by the Dean of Windsor and the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Harry, William and Kate seen speaking after funeral
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were seen talking to Prince Harry after they left the funeral service at St George’s Chapel.
The brothers have been through a well-publicised fall-out over the Megxit process and the Oprah interview, but William had insisted they would speak again.
William and Harry seen chatting together for first time at Prince Philip’s funeral
Brothers walked separately in the Duke’s funeral procession
‘Stunningly moving,’ says Diana’s brother
Charles Spencer, the brother of the late Lady Diana, was watching the funeral on television. “Goodness - what a stunningly moving ceremony,” he tweeted.
Many people have picked up on the photo of the Queen sitting alone, socially distanced, at her husband’s funeral. The actor Omid Djalili said it is “going to be an enduring image”.
Social media reacts to ‘heartbreaking’ image of Queen sitting alone
A sombre image of the Queen sitting alone in the chapel has touched many people online, who have expressed their sorrow and sympathy for the monarch.
One person wrote: “The Queen. Alone in the church. So very vulnerable. Yet very public display of solidarity with so many who have had to deal with loss in past year. Seems so unfair that any 94 year old has to endure such loss so alone. Although perhaps she would have had it that way anyway.”
Ellie Abraham reports:
Social media reacts to ‘heartbreaking’ image of Queen sitting alone at Prince Philip’s funeral
One person said the image ‘will be remembered forever’
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