Full details of Prince Philip's funeral are released
Full details revealed of the funeral Prince Philip planned himself: The 30 mourners are named, first picture of custom-built Land Rover hearse, who will accompany the Queen and why William and Harry will NOT walk side by side
- Harry and William will be separated by cousin Peter Phillips as they walk in a line behind grandfather’s coffin
- When the coffin is taken into chapel, William will move ahead of his brother as the royal family arrives in pairs
- Palace officials say royal men will wear morning coats with their medals and the women will wear day dresses
- The Queen – like all 30 guests invited to the service – will wear a face mask and will sit by herself in the quire
- Funeral takes place at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle on Saturday at 3pm following royal procession
Full details of Prince Philip’s funeral emerged today as it was revealed the Queen will travel in the funeral cortege in a state Bentley, Harry will not walk side by side with William and no military uniforms will be worn.
The Duke of Cambridge and Duke of Sussex, who will be reunited for the first time since Harry’s bombshell Oprah Winfrey chat, will be separated by cousin Peter Phillips as they walk in a line behind their grandfather’s coffin.
When the coffin is taken into the chapel, William will move ahead of his brother as the royal family arrives in pairs. Officials confirmed royal men will wear morning coats with their medals and the women will wear day dresses.
That came after the Queen approved a last-minute move to present a united family front, amid concern that Harry would be the only senior royal not in uniform – and Prince Andrew demanding to wear the uniform of an admiral.
The Queen – like all 30 guests invited to the service – will wear a face mask and will sit by herself in the quire of St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, with all mourners following Covid guidelines and remaining socially distanced.
As royal officials said tributes ‘received from young and old are truly a testament to the remarkable life and lasting endeavours’ of the Duke of Edinburgh, the route of the procession on Saturday in the run-up to 3pm became clear.
Philip, who died last Friday aged 99, was the guiding force behind his funeral arrangements and, reflecting his life-long association with the Royal Navy, buglers of the Royal Marines will sound Action Stations during the service.
It is played on a warship to signal all hands should go to battle stations and is sometimes featured at funerals of naval men. A reduced choir of four singers will feature during the service and the guests will not sing.
Among the guests are the Duchess of Cornwall, all of the duke’s grandchildren and their spouses, the children of the Queen’s sister Princess Margaret, and three of Philip’s German relatives – Bernhard, the Hereditary Prince of Baden; Donatus, Prince and Landgrave of Hesse; and Prince Philipp of Hohenlohe-Langenburg.
Also invited is a close friend of the duke, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, previously known as Lady Romsey and later Lady Brabourne, who was Philip’s carriage driving partner and one of his closest friends.
The Queen will be accompanied to her husband’s funeral in the state Bentley by a lady-in-waiting, but will sit alone in St George’s Chapel. The vehicle will form part of the procession making its way to the chapel in the afternoon.
While the Queen will be joined by her trusted companion on her way to the service, she will sit by herself in the quire of the chapel, with all mourners following Covid-19 guidelines and remaining socially distanced.
The Land Rover Defender hearse that will carry Philip’s coffin is seen for the first time as it is driven into Windsor Castle today
Philip’s chosen insignia, the medals and decorations conferred on him by the UK and Commonwealth countries – together with his Royal Air Force wings and Field Marshal’s baton, will be pre-positioned on cushions on the altar in St George’s Chapel
Troops leave Windsor Castle today after a rehearsal for the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral which takes place on Saturday
Pictured today, the Jaguar Land Rover that will be used to transport the coffin of the Duke of Edinburgh at his funeral
Rehearsals have been taking place at Windsor Castle today ahead of the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral this Saturday
Wardens stand outside Windsor Castle today following the death of the Duke of Edinburgh at the age of 99 last Friday
Sailors during rehearsals for the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh at HMS Collingwood in Fareham, in a photo released today
The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery move up the Long Walk at Windsor Castle today during a rehearsal for the funeral
Diane Hatcher, a seamstress at Cleave Court Jewellers, sews medals and decorations conferred on Philip onto cushions today
The Queen and Philip with great-grandchildren, from left, George, Louis, Charlotte, Savannah Phillips, Isla Phillips, Lena Tindall and Mia Tindall. This picture was released by the Royal Family yesterday
The lady-in-waiting will not sit in the quire and is not counted among the guest list of 30.
Leading the procession to the chapel will be the Band of the Grenadier Guards, followed by the Major General commanding the Household Division, service chiefs, the Duke of Edinburgh’s coffin borne on a custom-built Land Rover hearse, members of the royal family on foot, Philip’s household staff, and finally the Bentley carrying the Queen.
From the Queen to Mike Tindall: Funeral guest list
Here is the full list of guests who will attend the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral at Windsor Castle on Saturday:
The Palace has not said which lady-in-waiting will accompany the Queen in the vehicle.
The Queen’s ladies-in-waiting, personally chosen by the monarch, have a variety of duties including attending to private and personal matters for the Queen and handling her correspondence.
They include her senior lady-in-waiting, Lady Susan Hussey, who was married to the late BBC chairman Marmaduke Hussey.
The Queen’s ladies-in-waiting have also been part of HMS Bubble – the name given to the reduced selection of around 20 staff attending to the Queen at Windsor during lockdown.
Some of the ladies-in-waiting have been with the Queen for more than 50 years and act as both friends and loyal assistants, and their discretion and support will be invaluable.
Details of Philip’s funeral have been released by Buckingham Palace and it has been confirmed the Queen – like all 30 guests invited to the service – will wear a facemask in the car and in the chapel.
The Queen will depart the Sovereign’s Entrance in the state Bentley accompanied by a lady-in-waiting at 2.44pm.
The Duke’s project to custom build his own Land Rover hearse spanned 16 years, with Philip requesting a repaint in military green and designing the open top rear and special ‘stops’ to secure his coffin in place.
Philip’s modified Land Rover Defender TD5 130 chassis cab vehicle has been unveiled for the first time, two days before his final farewell in St George’s Chapel.
The duke, who died aged 99 on Friday, made the final adjustments in 2019, the year he turned 98.
He first began the long-lasting venture to create his own bespoke hearse in collaboration with Land Rover in 2003, the year he turned 82.
The polished sturdy, utilitarian vehicle, with its heavy duty wheels and angular structure, stands as a showcase for the duke’s practical nature, and his passion for functional design and engineering.
The Defender was made at Land Rover’s factory in Solihull in 2003 and Philip oversaw the modifications throughout the intervening years.
The duke, who served with distinction in the Second World War and held special associations with all the Armed Forces, requested that the original Belize Green bodywork be switched to Dark Bronze Green, a colour used for many military Land Rovers.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex (pictured last November) will both be attending the funeral at Windsor Castle on Saturday
James Viscount Severn (left) and Lady Louise Windsor (right), the Earl and Countess of Wessex’s children, will both be going
Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank (left) and Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi (right) will all be at the funeral
Peter Phillips (left) and Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall (right) will all be attending the service at Windsor Castle this weekend
Daniel Chatto (left) and Lady Sarah Chatto (right) will be among the 30 guests invited to the funeral at Windsor Castle
Princess Alexandra is one of the 30 members of the Royal Family who will be in attendance at the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral
Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence (left) and the Earl of Snowdon (right) will both be attending the service this Saturday
The Duke of Kent (left) and Duke of Gloucester (right) will both be at the funeral which takes place from 3pm on Saturday
He also designed the open top rear section where his coffin will rest, made to his exact specifications, including the rubber grips on silver metal pins known as the ‘stops’ or ‘stoppers’ which perform the crucial task of preventing the coffin from moving.
Details on the vehicle include matching green hubs, a black front grille, a single cab and no registration plates.
Eighteen years after the duke began the Land Rover project, the vehicle will finally be used for its intended function on Saturday.
The vehicle will ferry Philip’s coffin in a slow procession from the state entrance of Windsor Castle through the grounds to the west steps of St George’s Chapel, followed by the Prince of Wales and other members of the royal family on foot.
Land Rover has maintained the vehicle since it was built and has prepared it for the funeral in collaboration with the Royal Household.
Thierry Bollore, Jaguar Land Rover’s chief executive hailed Philip’s ‘impressive knowledge and deep interest in vehicle design, engineering and manufacturing’.
‘We are deeply privileged to have enjoyed a very long and happy association with the Duke of Edinburgh over many decades,’ he said
‘We are also honoured that the Land Rover which the duke designed will be used at the funeral on Saturday. The duke was a tremendous champion for design, engineering and technology.
‘During his visits to our sites he engaged with hundreds of employees and demonstrated his impressive knowledge and deep interest in vehicle design, engineering and manufacturing.
‘The duke was a truly remarkable man and will be greatly missed.’
The modified Land Rover Defender TD5 130 chassis cab vehicle was made at Land Rover’s factory in Solihull in 2003
The Jaguar Land Rover that will be used to transport the coffin at his funeral on Saturday, pictured at Windsor Castle today
Prince Philip oversaw the modifications to the Land Rover Defender TD5 130 throughout the intervening years after 2003
Philip had requested a repaint in military green and designing the open top rear and special ‘stops’ to secure his coffin
The duke, who died aged 99 on Friday, made the final adjustments to the Land Rover in 2019, the year he turned 98
The polished sturdy, utilitarian vehicle, with its heavy duty wheels, stands as a showcase for the duke’s practical nature
The Defender was made at Land Rover’s factory in Solihull in 2003 and Philip oversaw the modifications
The Jaguar Land Rover that will be used to transport the coffin of the Duke of Edinburgh at his funeral on Saturday
The modified Land Rover Defender TD5 130 chassis cab vehicle was made at Land Rover’s factory in Solihull in 2003
The Queen will be driven in the state Bentley. It could be this car, which was delivered by lorry to Windsor Castle on Tuesday
A British Army Land Rover ambulance is driven away from Windsor Castle today as funeral preparations continue
The duke used Land Rovers throughout his adult life and granted his Royal Warrant to Land Rover over 40 years ago.
Philip’s carriage driving companion will be a guest
Prince Philip with Countess Mountbatten of Burma in 2009
The Duke of Edinburgh’s carriage-driving companion – one of his closest confidantes – Countess Mountbatten of Burma will join mourners at Philip’s funeral.
Buckingham Palace said the Queen faced ‘some very difficult’ decisions as she selected the 30 guests permitted under Covid-19 rules, from the original 800-strong congregation, and had tried to ensure all branches of the duke’s family were there.
The 67-year-old countess – Penelope ‘Penny’ Knatchbull, previously known as Lady Romsey and later Lady Brabourne – will join the monarch, the Queen and Philip’s four children and eight grandchildren and their respective spouses at the service in St George’s Chapel on Saturday.
Three German relatives – whose ancestors were denied a place at Princess Elizabeth and Philip’s wedding because of anti-German feeling after the second war – have been included. They are Bernhard, Hereditary Prince of Baden; Prince Donatus, Landgrave of Hesse; and Prince Philipp of Hohenlohe-Langenburg.
Countess Mountbatten is the wife of Earl Mountbatten, Norton Knatchbull – the grandson of Philip’s beloved uncle the 1st Earl Mountbatten, who was murdered by the IRA in 1979.
Philip first began teaching Penny the daredevil equestrian sport of carriage driving in 1994 and they remained firm friends for the rest of his life.
They were often pictured together at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, sometimes riding mini motorcycles around the carriage driving course. She was a regular visitor at the duke’s Wood Farm cottage at Sandringham after his retirement.
Others on the guest list include the Queen’s first cousins Princess Alexandra, the Duke of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent, who loyally supported the monarch and Philip by carrying out royal duties over the decades.
But missing from the list of the monarch’s cousins is Prince Michael of Kent, 78, who is not a working royal.
There was also not room for the spouses of the Queen’s cousins – the Duchess of Gloucester and the Duchess of Kent, nor Prince Michael’s often controversial wife, Princess Michael of Kent.
Also invited were the children of the Queen’s late sister Princess Margaret – the Earl of Snowdon and Lady Sarah Chatto and her husband David Chatto. The Queen is particularly close to Lady Sarah.
Guests also include the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Princess Royal and husband Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence, the Duke of York, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Duke of Sussex, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie and their spouses, Peter Phillips and Zara and Mike Tindall.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: ‘At its heart it is still a family event. We are following the Covid guidelines. There was a limit on who could be invited as a guest and Her Majesty wanted to ensure that all branches of the duke’s family were there, and had to make some very difficult decisions about who would be there.
‘For those that unfortunately can’t be there, I’m sure they will be making their own private arrangements about how they commemorate the duke, and indeed celebrate the duke. ‘
Also missing from the list is the Duchess of Sussex, who is pregnant with her second child was told by doctors not to fly, and the duke’s 10-great-grandchildren, who are all considered too young to attend.
He visited Jaguar Land Rover’s manufacturing facilities on numerous occasions over the decades and accompanied the Queen when she opened Jaguar Land Rover’s new Engine Manufacturing Centre in Wolverhampton in 2014.
The Land Rover’s original role would also have been to transport the duke 22 miles from Wellington Arch in central London to Windsor, but the coronavirus pandemic curtailed the long-held plans for military parades in honour of Philip through the streets of both the capital and the Berkshire town.
It will be flanked by pall bearers reflecting the duke’s special relationships with the military, the Royal Marines, Regiments, Corps and Air Stations.
Palace officials have told how the duke’s interest in design sparked his desire to make the Land Rover and include it in his funeral plans, codenamed Operation Forth Bridge.
Two Land Rovers were made for ‘belt and braces’ in case a backup was needed.
In 2019, the duke, then 97, was driving a Land Rover Freelander when he was involved in a serious car crash involving a mother and a baby.
The car Philip was driving was hit by another vehicle when he pulled out of a driveway on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk on to a busy A road, after being dazzled by the low sun.
The duke’s car flipped over and he was trapped, and had to be rescued through the sunroof by a passing motorist. He was miraculously unscathed.
The baby was unhurt, but both women in the other vehicle had to be treated in hospital, and one broke her wrist.
Three weeks after the crash, Buckingham Palace announced that Philip’s driving days on public roads were finally over and that he had voluntarily surrendered his driving licence. The CPS later confirmed Philip would face no action over the crash.
Also today it was revealed how the Duke of Edinburgh personally selected the regalia that will be on the altar for his funeral.
Philip’s chosen insignia, the medals and decorations conferred on him by the UK and Commonwealth countries – together with his Royal Air Force wings and Field Marshal’s baton, will be pre-positioned on nine cushions on the altar in St George’s Chapel.
The duke also included insignia from Denmark and Greece – Order of the Elephant and Order of the Redeemer respectively – in a nod to his birth heritage as a Prince of Greece and Denmark.
Insignia, orders, decorations and medals are a way of a country saying thank you and recognising someone’s achievements.
Stephen Segrave, Secretary of the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood, said: ‘There will be nine cushions with insignia placed on pre-positioned around the altar at St George’s Chapel in Windsor.
‘They represent British and Commonwealth orders and decorations, and the final cushion with orders from Greece and Denmark, for obvious reasons.
‘The Duke of Edinburgh had, I think, 61 decorations and awards from 53 different other countries, and there simply just wasn’t the space to have them all on display at the funeral.’
Asked how it was decided what would go on display, Mr Segrave said: ‘I think if you have to draw the line somewhere, the line was drawn at Commonwealth orders and decorations, and those two countries that are appropriate to the Duke of Edinburgh.
‘And he certainly had a hand in planning his arrangements, so he would have made the decision himself.’
Mr Segrave said the chosen insignia would have ‘absolutely’ meant a great deal to Philip.
The plans for Philip’s funeral – codenamed Forth Bridge – have been in place for many years, and were updated and reviewed regularly by Buckingham Palace staff in consultation with the Queen and the duke.
The insignia are sewn in place on the cushions with fishing wire as it is see-through and therefore tends not to show up in the way coloured thread would.
The regalia was sewn on to the cushions at St James’s Palace by two seamstresses, including Diane Hatcher from Cleave Court Jewellers, earlier this week.
Detail of Philip’s full size Medal Group, sewn onto a cushion in St James’s Palace in London, which will be placed on the altar
Cushions with the Duke of Edinburgh’s insignia sewn into place at St James’s Palace in London today
A seamstress sews medals and decorations conferred on the Duke of Edinburgh onto cushions at St James’s Palace today
A seamstress sews medals and decorations together with his Field Marshal’s baton and Royal Air Force Wings onto cushions
Cushions with the Duke of Edinburgh’s insignia sewn into place at St James’s Palace in London today
Detail of the British Empire Breast Star and Badge and the British Empire Collar, sewn onto a cushion at St James’s Palace
Detail of the Order of Merit, the Royal Victorian Chain and full size Medal Group, sewn onto a cushion in St James’s Palace
Detail of the Duke of Edinburgh’s RAF Wings sewn onto a cushion at St James’s Palace in London
Detail of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Field Marshal Baton, gifted to him by the Queen in 1953, sewn onto a cushion today
Royal Victorian Order Collar and Badge and the Royal Victorian Order Breast Star and Badge, sewn onto a cushion today
Diane Hatcher, a seamstress at Cleave Court Jewellers, sews medals and decorations conferred on Philip onto cushions
Cushions with the Duke of Edinburgh’s insignia sewn into place at St James’s Palace in London today
Cushions with the Duke of Edinburgh’s insignia sewn into place at St James’s Palace in London
Among the chosen pieces are the Order of the Garter which consists of a collar made out of 22 carat gold, a badge with Saint George slaying the dragon known as the greater George, a sash with a badge called the lesser George, a breast star with the motto of the order, ‘Honi soit qui mal y pense’, which translates as ‘Evil to him who evil thinks’, and the garter itself.
Land Rover hearse that Philip designed himself: Open top Defender TD5 130 was custom built to Duke’s orders at manufacturer’s Solihull factory in 16-year project
For 16 years Prince Philip tinkered and toiled on a secret project he knew he would never live to see used – the hearse to carry his own coffin.
Now, two days before his funeral on Saturday, the custom-made Land Rover designed by the Duke has been unveiled for the first time.
His work on the bespoke Land Rover Defender TD5 130 chassis cab begun in 2003, the year he turned 82, and was finished aged 98 in 2019.
The Land Rover designed by the Duke has now been unveiled
The open top rear has been modified to fit his coffin and equipped with special rubber grips on silver pins – known as the ‘stops’ – to keep it secure while it makes the journey through Windsor to St George’s Chapel.
A military man to his core, Philip also requested the original Belize Green paintwork was changed to Dark Bronze Green like those used by the armed forces.
The military green repaint was one of many modifications Philip made to the vehicle, that was first built a the manufacturer’s Solihull factory.
With heavy duty wheels and angular structure, the sturdy design stands testament to the Duke’s penchant for engineering and functionality.
Indeed, Jaguar Land Rover’s chief executive has admired Philip’s handiwork, hailing his ‘impressive knowledge and deep interest in vehicle design, engineering and manufacturing’.
Land Rover has maintained the vehicle since it was built and has prepared it for the funeral in collaboration with the Royal Household.
Others include the Royal Victorian Order collar and badge, British Empire collar and Grand Masters badge, Royal Victorian Chain and Order of Merit.
The Order of Merit is restricted to 24 members and is awarded in recognition of outstanding service in the Armed Forces, science, literature, art and the promotion of culture.
One particular cushion has the Field Marshal’s baton – the most senior appointment in the British Army – next to Philip’s RAF wings.
A qualified pilot, the duke gained his RAF wings in 1953, helicopter wings in 1956 and private pilot’s licence in 1959.
Insignia on display from across the Commonwealth will include the Order of Australian Knight, Order of New Zealand, Order of Canada, Canada Order of Military Merit, Papua New Guinea Order of Logohu, Zanzibar Brilliant Star of Zanzibar, Brunei Esteemed Family Order, and Singapore Order of Darjah Utama Temasek.
In Windsor today, crowds gathered to watch as members of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery rode to Windsor Castle in preparation for the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral.
Dozens of riders carrying three guns rode along the Long Walk up to Cambridge Gate where tributes to Philip have been laid throughout the week.
Members of the regiment will fire minute guns from the east lawn of Windsor Castle on Saturday as the duke’s coffin is taken from the castle to St George’s Chapel.
The guns will fire for the duration of the procession, and the Curfew Tower Bell will toll.
Scores of people, some sitting with picnic lunches, watched as the riders passed by this afternoon. The riders began at Combermere Barracks and entered the Long Walk from Albert Road.
The role of King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery includes firing royal salutes at other grand occasions of state, including royal births and birthdays.
Also today, the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall made their first joint public appearance since the death of the Duke of Edinburgh to see flowers left in his memory.
Charles and Camilla made an emotional visit to Marlborough House – the home of the Commonwealth – in central London, where floral tributes laid at the gates of Buckingham Palace are brought each evening.
The heir to the throne and his wife were pictured stopping to look at the bouquets of flowers left by those wanting to honour the duke.
Items left in tribute include a model of a Land Rover similar to the one that will bear Philip’s coffin on Saturday, with the words ‘The Duke R.I.P’ on the roof.
Next to it, a card from ‘Marian & Marum’ read: ‘Your memory will never fade. Rest in Peace.’
Another read: ‘Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow. You are in our prayers.’
One card said: ‘HRH A True Gentleman. Thank you for your devoted service to our country. We shall miss you.’
Some notes were written for the Queen: ‘Sending our love and condolences on the loss of your beloved Prince Philip, yours always, love Layla, Lis and Neil xxxx.’
One card quoted the monarch’s famous comment about her husband: ‘We are so sorry for your profound loss, Your Majesty’s ‘strength and stay’ will endure in our hearts always.’
A Ministry of Defence photograph released today of Marines during rehearsals for the funeral at HMS Collingwood in Fareham
Royal Marines take part in rehearsals for the funeral at HMS Collingwood in Fareham, in an MoD picture released today
An MoD photograph released today of sailors during rehearsals for the funeral at HMS Collingwood in Fareham
Royal Marines take part in rehearsals for the funeral of Philip at HMS Collingwood in Fareham, in an image released today
The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery on the Long Walk today after taking part in a rehearsal for the Duke’s funeral
Dozens of riders carrying three guns rode along the Long Walk up to Cambridge Gate in Windsor today
Crowds gather to watch as members of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery ride to Windsor Castle today
The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery move up the Long Walk in Windsor today during a rehearsal for the funeral
Scores of people, some sitting with picnic lunches, watched as the riders passed by in Windsor this afternoon
The role of King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery includes firing royal salutes at other grand occasions of state
Meanwhile, the Earl of Wessex has thanked holders and participants of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and the International Award, for sharing their memories of his father and their experiences of the scheme.
The other American duchess who missed a royal funeral
Almost 70 years ago an abdicated king returned from the US for a royal funeral, while his American wife was absent.
In 1952, the Duke of Windsor – formerly Edward VIII – set sail from New York onboard the ocean liner Queen Mary, travelling to London following the death of his brother George VI.
His wife, the Duchess of Windsor, remained in the United States, where they were living at the time.
Edward had plunged the monarchy into crisis in 1936 when he abdicated over his love for the divorcee formerly known as Wallis Simpson.
In 1953, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor watched their niece Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation on television from Paris
Now in 2021, the Duchess of Sussex will be more than 5,300 miles away in the US as the royal family gathers for the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral.
Former Suits star Meghan was the first American divorcee to marry a senior royal since Mrs Simpson, and both she and the Duke of Sussex have since quit as working royals and moved across the Atlantic.
Harry has travelled to the UK to pay his respects, but Meghan, pregnant with her second child, has remained at their home in Montecito, California, after doctors told her not to fly.
Their daughter is due to be born in the summer and the duchess had a miscarriage last year. It is understood Meghan made every effort to travel, whereas the Duchess of Windsor was not invited to George VI’s funeral, nor to Queen Mary’s funeral a year later.
Wallis was never forgiven by George VI’s widow Queen Elizabeth, later the Queen Mother, for her role in the abdication crisis.
Just weeks ago, Meghan and Harry sent reverberations through the monarchy with their primetime Oprah interview. The couple sat down with chat show queen Oprah Winfrey on March 7, laying bare their struggles and troubled relations with their family, accusing an unnamed royal of making racist remarks about their son Archie before he was born, and the institution of failing to help a suicidal Meghan.
It is not known whether the duchess and the couple’s son Archie, who turns two next month, will watch the proceedings on television.
The service begins at 3pm, which the coffin emerging at 2.40pm – which will be 6.40am in California.
In 1953, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor watched their niece Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation on television, from hundreds of miles away in Paris. In one photograph, the former monarch, dressed in a suit and tie, rested his foot on the low coffee table in front, exposing his striped socks.
They were living in exile in France at the time, and neither were invited to the ceremony. Instead, they were pictured sitting in hard-backed antique chairs, watching the historic occasion in the home of American millionairess Margaret Biddle.
Later the duchess was seen reaching for a cup of tea, while the duke passed around a platter of food to friends in the rows behind. Following in his great-great-uncle’s footsteps, Harry stepped down from royal duties with Meghan last year for a life free from the constraints of the monarchy.
Edward said about Philip: ‘He may have departed this world, but his spirit and ethos lives on through his award, through each and every life touched, transformed, inspired; then, now and in the future.’
In a tribute at the weekend, Charles described his late father as a ‘very special person’, and praised him for giving ‘the most remarkable, devoted service to the Queen, to my family and to the country’ for the last 70 years.
The public had been asked not to lay flowers to prevent any possible breach of Covid guidelines and instead were asked to consider a donation to a charity they support or one that Philip represented, but many have still decided to leave bouquets.
To avoid them becoming a spectacle that might attract a crowd, the tributes have been gathered up and brought to Marlborough House, the headquarters of the Commonwealth and the seat of its Secretariat, just off The Mall.
It was a fitting place for the flowers to be kept given Philip’s long association with the ‘family of nations’.
During his many years of public duty and service he undertook more than 220 solo visits to Commonwealth countries between 1949 and 2016, with many more alongside the Queen.
Meanwhile the Earl of Wessex has thanked holders and participants of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and the International Award, for sharing their memories of his father and their experiences of the award.
He said: ‘Reading just some of the wonderful memories you have shared about your experiences of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and, in some cases, of meeting my father, has been truly uplifting.
‘I think I may have said once that he was a man that once met, never forgotten. He had a unique ability to make a lasting impression in a remarkably short time.
‘I, like all my family, have a lifetime of lasting impressions, inspiration, shared passions and love. He may have departed this world, but his spirit and ethos lives on through his award, through each and every life touched, transformed, inspired; then, now and in the future.
‘Thank you one and all for helping to create such an extraordinary tribute.’
Also today, Boris Johnson paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh’s ‘amazingly distinguished’ career in the navy during a visit to the college where he was a cadet.
The Prime Minister said his thoughts were once more with the Queen whilst at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, which is where the young royal couple met for the first time in 1939.
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visited the naval college with their two daughters, when Philip, then 18, and the 13-year-old Elizabeth had their first publicised meeting.
In commemoration of the duke, Mr Johnson attended a passing out parade at the Devon college today, where he congratulated naval cadets as they became officers and spoke with them about their career ambitions.
The Prime Minister told broadcasters: ‘I’m here at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, which is the college from which the Duke of Edinburgh himself passed out, became an officer in 1940, before going on to have that amazingly distinguished naval career, the Battle of Cape Matapan, Sicily and then seeing the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay.
‘We’ve just seen those wonderful cadets become officers themselves and incarnating the finest traditions of the Royal Navy in the way that the duke did himself.
‘And actually, funnily enough, here in this very garden, I think in 1939, the Duke of Edinburgh met the then Princess Elizabeth for the very first time. So, our thoughts are with her again today.’
In May 1939, Philip, then aged 17, entered the college as a special entry naval cadet for training, following the footsteps of his paternal grandfather and uncles.
He was named best cadet on his course before beginning a career in the Royal Navy that saw him serve during the Second World War and reach the rank of commander.
During the Second World War, he served on several ships, firstly on HMS Ramillies, and saw active service against German, Italian and Japanese forces.
The Armed Forces are stepping up preparations for the duke’s funeral on Saturday which will feature servicemen and women from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and RAF alongside top military brass.
Meanwhile it also emerged today that members of the Royal Family will now not wear military uniform at the funeral.
It is understood the Queen decided that senior royals attending the service should be in civilian clothing.
Children look at a floral tribute left by the Long Walk at Windsor Castle today following the death of the Duke of Edinburgh
Police officers on the Long Walk at Windsor Castle today as Thames Valley Police prepares for the funeral on Saturday
Wardens stand outside Windsor Castle today following the death of the Duke of Edinburgh at the age of 99 last Friday
Police on patrol at Windsor Castle today following the death of the Duke of Edinburgh at the royal residence last Friday
The funeral will take place at St George’s Chapel which is in the grounds of Windsor Castle, where a warden is pictured today
Police officers on the Long Walk at Windsor Castle today as the world prepares to say farewell to Philip this Saturday
Seven-year-old Max Taylor from Berkshire wears his great grandfather’s Grenadier Guards sash on the Long Walk today
Police officers on the Long Walk at Windsor Castle today ahead of the funeral which takes place on Saturday at 3pm
The move means the Duke of Sussex will not have to face being one of the only close family members who is not in uniform at Saturday’s service.
Queen welcomes her new Lord Chamberlain
Andrew Parker, Baron Parker of Minsmere, is Lord Chamberlain
The Queen has formally welcomed her new Lord Chamberlain to his post as she carried out her second in-person public engagement after the Duke of Edinburgh’s death.
The Queen hosted a ceremony at Windsor Castle for Baron Parker who will oversee Philip’s funeral as part of his role as the most senior official in the royal household.
The official engagement was recorded in the Court Circular, a daily list of the events attended by the Queen and her family.
It said: ‘The Lord Parker of Minsmere had an audience of the Queen today, kissed hands upon his appointment as Lord Chamberlain and received from Her Majesty the Wand and Insignia of Office and the Badge of Chancellor of the Royal Victorian Order, when the Queen invested him with the Insignia of a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.’
Andrew Parker, Baron Parker of Minsmere, officially took up his new role on April 1, following the Earl Peel’s retirement after more than 14 years in the post.
The Earl Peel had overseen arrangements for the duke’s funeral, known as Operation Forth Bridge, before handing responsibility to his successor just over a week before Philip died peacefully at Windsor Castle.
Baron Parker served as director general of MI5 from April 2013 until last year and hosted a visit by the Queen to the intelligence agency.
Harry lost his honorary military titles after deciding to step down as a senior working royal.
Reports had also suggested that the Duke of York, who spoke of his father as being ‘the grandfather of the nation,’ was considering wearing an admiral’s uniform.
Andrew stepped down from royal duties over his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2019.
He was due to be promoted to Admiral in 2020 to mark his 60th birthday but this did not go ahead following the fallout from his disastrous Newsnight appearance.
The decision is a break with tradition for ceremonial royal funerals and will contrast with the strong military presence which will be on show to honour Philip, who served with distinction in the Second World War.
Protocol suggests that Harry, who did two tours of Afghanistan, can only wear a suit with medals at royal functions.
As plans were finalised for the funeral, the royal family released a touching photo of the Queen and the duke surrounded by their great-grandchildren.
The previously unseen image shows the Queen and the duke sitting with the youngsters on a sofa during a family get-together and with the little ones appearing on best behaviour.
The Duchess of Cambridge captured the moment on her camera in 2018 when the Queen and Philip’s seven great-grandchildren were at Balmoral.
A number of other images showing the duke with members of the royal family – including his son the Prince of Wales – were posted on official royal Twitter accounts.
The Queen has continued to work as she grieves, carrying out an official engagement on Wednesday to formally welcome her new Lord Chamberlain to his post.
She hosted a ceremony at Windsor Castle for Baron Parker who will oversee Philip’s funeral as part of his role as the most senior official in the royal household.
The image of the Queen and the duke with the young members of the family is a snapshot of a typical day at her private Scottish home where she entertains family, friends and politicians during the summer.
Cradled in the arms of the Queen is Prince Louis, a rare image of the monarch holding one of her great-grandchildren.
The full line-up of royal children includes the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s children Prince George and Princess Charlotte either side of the Queen who holds their brother Louis.
Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall visit the gardens of Marlborough House in London this morning
The Prince of Wales appears emotional as he views the tributes with the Duchess of Cornwall at Marlborough House today
Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall visit the gardens of Marlborough House today to view the flowers and messages
The Prince of Wales surveys the tributes as he visits the gardens of Marlborough House in London to view the flowers
A model Land Rover left by a member of the public outside Buckingham Palace which has been moved to Marlborough House
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall look at messages about Philip on a bench at Marlborough House today
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall view a selection of flowers today that have been left by members of the public
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall visit the gardens of Marlborough House in London today to view the flowers
Peter Phillips’ daughters Savannah and Isla are close to their great-grandfather and at the other end of the sofa are Zara and Mike Tindall’s children Lena, held by her cousin Isla, and his daughter Mia.
BBC announces its plans to cover Philip’s funeral
The BBC is to mark the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh with a series of special programmes.
Huw Edwards will lead nearly six hours of coverage broadcast from Windsor across three programmes on Friday and Saturday.
Earlier this week The Sun reported the BBC has received more than 100,000 complaints about its coverage of Philip’s death after it cleared its schedules to cover the story.
On Friday on BBC One, Edwards will present HRH The Duke of Edinburgh Remembered live from Windsor Castle at 7pm, where he will interview people set to play a key role in the funeral service and ceremonial procession.
On Saturday, the day of the funeral, Edwards will present live coverage of the events at Windsor from 12.30pm.
He will be joined by broadcaster Sophie Raworth and TV presenter and former Royal Marine JJ Chalmers throughout the afternoon.
On Saturday evening from 8.10pm Edwards will then reflect on the day’s events at Windsor Castle.
There will also be coverage of the funeral on Saturday from 2pm to 4.10pm on Radio 4 and Radio 5 Live, as well as on the broadcaster’s local stations.
ITV News previously announced it will cover the funeral on Saturday with Prince Philip – A Royal Funeral, which will be presented by Tom Bradby and Julie Etchingham from Windsor.
A maximum of 30 people can attend the funeral because of coronavirus restrictions and social distancing will be in place.
Philip died on Friday aged 99.
A black and white picture posted on Charles and Camilla’s official Twitter account, taken in 1966, shows Philip and Charles sitting on polo ponies with mallets and helmets in hand during a match.
The image was posted alongside a more modern image of the duke with his son and the duchess in the moments after William and Kate’s Westminster Abbey wedding.
William and Kate also shared memories of Philip and the Queen, posting an image taken at Balmoral in 2015 on their official Twitter account showing the couple with their children George and Charlotte.
Earlier yesterday, the Queen’s granddaughter Princess Eugenie paid a heartfelt tribute to her ‘dearest Grandpa’, pledging to look after ‘Granny’ the Queen for him.
The Princess Royal also reminisced fondly about learning to sail as a child with her father as she returned to public duties.
Anne visited the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes on the Isle of Wight where she met spoke fondly to club members of her ‘links’ and ‘early memories of sailing’ there.
Meanwhile Ross Kemp has said the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award will form part of its founder’s legacy as he called for donations to a fund aiming to help a million young people complete the scheme.
The actor is a supporter of the award, which is hoping to reach the target over the next five years with its Living Legacy Fund.
The money will help to establish new centres, train thousands more leaders and volunteers and provide targeted help to young people who need specialist support to complete their award, the DofE Award charity previously announced.
Former EastEnders star Kemp, 56, said: ‘The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is part of his legacy and I think it’s something he wholeheartedly supported because of his belief in young people.
‘It’s open to people from all walks of life, people who are marginalised, young offenders can get on the course, people in schools, people who are members of clubs and, as I say, it gives not only value to yourself but also helps you to understand the value of being part of a community.
‘Particularly coming out of lockdown you can’t underestimate that.’
Kemp said he has ‘witnessed first hand the difference it can make to a young person’s life’ and has handed out awards to participants.
Boris Johnson meets cadets after a passing-out parade in Dartmouth during his visit in commemoration of Philip today
The Prime Minister watches a passing-out parade at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth during his visit today
The passing-out parade in Dartmouth today, attended by the PM during his visit in commemoration of the Duke of Edinburgh
The passing-out parade at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth which took place today
Prince Philipp of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, pictured with Prince Charles, will be among the attendees at Saturday’s funeral
Prince Donatus, head of the House of Hesse and pictured with the Queen in Windsor in 2019, is also related to Prince Philip
Prince Bernhard (pictured with his wife in 2011) is a grandson of Prince Philip’s second sister, Theodora (known as ‘Dolla’)
‘It helps people’s self-belief, it gives people life skills, it helps them to deal with things that might be thrown at them in later life,’ he said.
Three of Prince Philip’s German family will attend funeral and are isolating in Ascot before service
By ROBERT HARDMAN FOR THE DAILY MAIL
They were all denied a place at his wedding, thanks to post-war nervousness at Buckingham Palace . But for the rest of his life, the Duke of Edinburgh was adamant that bygones should be bygones.
That is why he made it clear that he wanted his ‘blood’ family — the network of German nieces, nephews and cousins to whom he was devoted — to be properly represented and included in his funeral arrangements. And so they shall be.
For I learn that two great-nephews and a cousin are currently locked in a Covid-compliant bubble at the Berkshire home of a mutual friend ahead of Saturday’s funeral.
They were quietly invited to fly to the UK last weekend, in order to undergo quarantine procedures ahead of the service.
Like Prince Harry, they will — provided final Covid tests permit — be eligible to join the Queen and other members of the immediate family at St George’s Chapel on Saturday.
For now, Bernhard, Hereditary Prince of Baden; Prince Donatus, Landgrave of Hesse; and Prince Philipp of Hohenlohe-Langenburg are all behind closed doors in a house near Ascot.
With only 30 mourners permitted inside St George’s Chapel on Saturday afternoon, in line with Covid rules, it means a tenth of the congregation paying tribute to the Duke will be from Germany.
‘It really is an incredible honour and we are all extremely touched and privileged to be included on behalf of the wider family,’ says Prince Philipp, 51, in a statement from the house where he and his cousins must remain isolated until the weekend.
His grandmother, Princess Margarita, was the Duke’s elder sister and the Duke paid many visits to the family home, Langenburg Castle in southern Germany.
Prince Bernhard, 50, also a father of three, is a grandson of the Duke’s second sister, Theodora (known as ‘Dolla’).
Prince Donatus, known as ‘Don’, 54, is the head of the House of Hesse, into which the Duke’s two younger sisters, Cecile and Sophie (known as ‘Tiny’) married.
All these families enjoy so many precious recollections of the ‘Uncle Philip’, who thought nothing of popping over to Germany for a christening or a landmark birthday party for the offspring and relatives of his older sisters.
They were the kind-hearted, glamorous quartet of princesses who had doted on their boisterous little brother through an often troubled childhood.
He described Philip as ‘someone who had a lot of faith in young people’ and added the award helps people ‘connect with their community in a positive way’.
Kemp said there had been an ‘outpouring of support’ for Philip after his death, adding: ‘I think many people wouldn’t have thought that you would see that and I think that shows there’s such massive support for the royal family in this country still, from all walks of life and all areas.’
Other celebrities supporting the Living Legacy Fund include actor Hugh Jackman and actress Nina Wadia.
Some 6.7 million young people across the UK have taken part in the scheme and achieved more than 3.1 million awards since 1956.
The scheme sees participants complete tasks to help their community or environment, developing new skills and completing an expedition.
Donations can be made to the Living Legacy Fund at dofe.org/livinglegacy. Alternatively cheques payable to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award can be sent to Supporter Relations Manager, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, 11 Belgrave Road, London, SW1V 1RB.
Also today, the Commandant General of the Royal Marines has spoken of the ‘generous’ time the Duke of Edinburgh gave to the regiment.
Major General Matt Holmes said Philip had a ‘long and happy association’ with the Royal Marines, of which he held the ceremonial title of Captain General for 64 years until 2017.
Speaking to Times Radio, he said of the duke: ‘We were utterly privileged and honoured to enjoy his company on numerous occasions.
‘He gave his support to the corps and often visited us on operations at home during his time.
‘We had numerous encounters, and I think that was the beauty of his service with us.
‘He was always generous with his time.’
Details of Philip’s funeral will be released by Buckingham Palace on Thursday. It will feature servicemen and women from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, the Army and RAF.
Major General Holmes said the Royal Marines Band Service will perform at the funeral, which is taking place this Saturday at Windsor Castle.
Recounting memorable moments with the duke, he said: ‘From my recollection there were a number of formal events that he attended.
‘The one that really stands out is when he flew all the way to Exeter airport from London to meet one of my companies returning from Afghanistan.
‘He spent an hour on the ground.
‘He hated fuss, so we would host him and he would go straight amongst the marines and talk to our valiant warriors.’
He said the duke would be interested in the modernisation of defence, adding: ‘Certainly I think he was interested, in particular, in innovation and technological developments.’
It has emerged members of the royal family will now not wear military uniform at the duke’s funeral.
The move means the Duke of Sussex will not have to face being one of the only close family members who is not in uniform at Saturday’s service.
Harry lost his honorary military titles – including Captain General of the Royal Marines, which he had taken from his grandfather in 2017 – after deciding to step down as a senior working royal last year.
Who’s who on the guest list for Prince Philip’s funeral?
The Queen had the difficult choice of selecting just 30 guests for the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral. Here is a look at who has been confirmed as attending:
1. The Queen
The nation’s longest-serving head of state, who was married to the duke for 73 years, will lead mourners as they gather in St George’s Chapel on Saturday. Elizabeth II has reigned for 69 years and faces the remainder of her time on the throne without her loyal consort at her side.
– PHILIP’S CHILDREN AND THEIR SPOUSES
2. The Prince of Wales
Future king Charles, the Queen and Philip’s eldest son, is the nation’s longest-serving heir to the throne. He will process with other members of the royal family as they walk behind the specially modified Land Rover carrying Philip’s coffin through the castle grounds.
3. The Duchess of Cornwall
Camilla, once a royal mistress now a future Queen, will be supporting her husband Charles during his time of grief. The duchess, who has carved out a royal role for herself promoting literacy and campaigning against domestic abuse, is known for her down-to-earth and friendly nature, and will be a pillar of strength for the prince.
4. The Duke of York
Andrew will make his first appearance at an official royal event at the funeral since stepping down in 2019 from royal duties after his disastrous Newsnight interview about his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Virginia Giuffre, who says she was trafficked by Epstein as a teenager, said she was left “horrified and ashamed” after an alleged sexual encounter with the duke in London in 2001. Andrew, who was previously dubbed Air Miles Andy amid criticism of his globe-trotting, denies he had any form of sexual contact or relationship with Ms Giuffre.
5. The Earl of Wessex
Edward, the Queen and Philip’s youngest son, worked closely with his father on his Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.
6. The Countess of Wessex
Edward’s wife Sophie is being hailed as a great source of comfort for the Queen as she mourns for Philip. The monarch had a close relationship with the former PR executive, who has been visiting the Queen at Windsor in the days following Philip’s death.
7. The Princess Royal
Anne, the Queen and Philip’s only daughter, is often seen as the most hard-working member of the royal family. The princess has the same no-nonsense abrupt attitude as her father. She is known for keeping to the same bouffant hairstyle for decades.
8. Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence
Anne’s husband is a familiar face at official royal engagements but the dependable royal rarely takes centre stage. The naval officer, who wed the princess in 1992 the same year she divorced her first spouse Captain Mark Phillips, has told of his and Anne’s shared love of the sea, but admitted he does not share her affection for horses.
– THE GRANDCHILDREN AND SPOUSES
9. The Duke of Cambridge
Second in line to the throne William – the Prince of Wales and the late Diana, Princess of Wales’s eldest son – has paid tribute to the duke as an “extraordinary man”. The funeral will be the first time the future monarch has been seen at an official event with his brother the Duke of Sussex since Harry quit as a senior royal and carried out his bombshell Oprah interview.
10. The Duchess of Cambridge
Kate, a future Queen, will be at husband William’s side. It will be the first major royal funeral the duchess has attended. Seen as both calm and caring, Kate has taken to her royal role with ease over the years.
11. The Duke of Sussex
Harry, who has rushed back from the US, is self-isolating at Frogmore Cottage. His attendance is the first time he will have been seen publicly with the Windsors since he and Meghan accused an unnamed royal of making racist remarks about his son’s skin tone before he was born, and the institution of failing to support a suicidal Meghan.
12. Princess Beatrice
Beatrice is the eldest daughter of the Duke of York and Sarah, Duchess of York. The 32-year-old has a full-time job at Afiniti, an artificial intelligence software firm, where she is vice president of partnerships and strategy.
13. Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi
Beatrice wed millionaire property tycoon Edo, a long-time family friend of the Yorks, in a secret lockdown ceremony last summer, with the Queen and Philip among the handful of guests. He is the son of former Olympic skier Count Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi and Nikki Williams-Ellis. Beatrice is stepmother to his young son Wolfie.
14. Princess Eugenie
Eugenie is Andrew and Sarah’s youngest daughter and Philip’s death has happened just weeks after the 31-year-old princess became a first-time mother. Her son August has the middle name Philip in tribute to his great-grandfather. Eugenie works as a director at the contemporary art gallery Hauser & Wirth in London.
15. Jack Brooksbank
Eugenie’s husband is European brand director of Casamigos Tequila, co-founded by the actor George Clooney. They wed in St George’s Chapel in 2018.
16. Lady Louise Windsor
Lady Louise is the 17-year-old daughter of the Earl and Countess of Wessex, and was close to her grandparents, particularly the Queen. She has embraced the pastimes associated with her grandfather, taking up carriage driving and starting her Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award.
17. Viscount Severn
Lady Louise’s brother, 13-year-old James is the youngest of Queen and Philip’s grandchildren, and lives with his family at Bagshot Park, Surrey, 10 miles from Windsor Castle. Mischievous James was seen prodding his sister on the back of her legs with a rubbish grabber when he attended a beach litter-picking engagement last year.
18. Peter Phillips
The 43-year-old is the eldest son of the Princess Royal and was the duke’s first grandchild. He has the key role of walking between his cousins William and Harry in the procession to the chapel. Mr Phillips, who announced his divorce from wife Autumn last year, runs the UK arm of events and sponsorship agency Sports and Entertainment Ltd (SEL). In 2016, his agency organised the Patron’s Lunch celebration in honour of the Queen’s 90th birthday.
19. Zara Tindall
Anne’s daughter gave birth to her third child – the Queen and Philip’s 10th great-grandchild – less than four weeks ago. She named her son Lucas Philip, with his middle name in honour of both the duke and husband Mike Tindall’s father. The champion equestrian rider won a silver medal in the London 2012 Olympics with Team GB.
20. Mike Tindall
Zara’s husband Mike is a former England rugby player, known for his relaxed approach to life and stints on celebrity shows The Jump and Bear Grylls: Mission Survive. He recounted the entertaining tale of how baby Lucas was born on the bathroom floor at home when there was not enough time for Zara to get to hospital, on a rugby podcast he co-hosts.
– CLOSE RELATIVES OF THE QUEEN
21. Earl of Snowdon
The earl, formerly Viscount Linley, is the eldest child of the Queen’s late sister Princess Margaret. He runs his own company making bespoke furniture under his professional name, David Linley, and separated from his wife Serena after 26 years in 2020.
22. Lady Sarah Chatto
Princess Margaret’s daughter Lady Sarah has a strong bond with the Queen, who is said to adore her only niece. She keeps out of the royal limelight and is also said to be close to her cousin Charles, sharing a love of painting at Balmoral together.
23. Daniel Chatto
Lady Sarah Chatto’s husband Daniel Chatto is an artist and former actor. Lady Sarah met Daniel on a sabbatical in India and they wed in 1994.
24. Duke of Gloucester
A first cousin of the Queen, Richard cut short his career as an architect to devote his life to royal duties following the death of his older brother Prince William in 1972. Mostly operating behind the scenes away from the glare of the media, the Gloucesters, with the Kents and Princess Alexandra, are part of the band of minor royals formed of the Queen’s cousins, who have supported the monarch and Philip during her reign.
25. The Duke of Kent
Also the Queen’s first cousin, Edward or “Steady Eddie” – as the royals reportedly call him – carries out his minor role within the family with a dutiful and reliable good grace. He is perhaps best known for being President of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club and presenting the Wimbledon trophies each summer.
26. Princess Alexandra
Princess Alexandra, another first cousin, has devoted decades of her life to royal duty and charity work. One of the most popular members of the family with royal relatives, the princess, 84, is loved for her kindness and warm nature.
PHILIP’S GERMAN RELATIVES
27. Bernhard, Hereditary Prince of Baden
Prince Bernhard, 50, is the grandson of the duke’s second sister Theodora.
28. Prince Donatus, Landgrave of Hesse
Prince Donatus, 54, known as Don, is head of the house of Hesse into which the duke’s younger sister Cecile and Sophie married.
29. Prince Philipp of Hohenlohe-Langenburg
Philipp, 52, is the grandson of the duke’s elder sister Princess Margarita.
THE DUKE’S CARRIAGE DRIVING COMPANION
30. Countess Mountbatten, Penelope “Penny” Knatchbull
Previously known as Lady Romsey and later Lady Brabourne, Penny was the duke’s carriage driving partner and was one of his closest friends. She is the wife of Earl Mountbatten, Norton Knatchbull, who is the grandson of Philip’s beloved uncle the 1st Earl Mountbatten, who was murdered by the IRA in 1979.
WHO ELSE WILL BE IN THE CHAPEL?
– The clergy and choir
The 30 limit rule does not include clergy, and the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Dean of Windsor will preside over the service. A small choir of just four people, including one soprano, will sing pieces of music chosen by the duke.
– Lady in waiting
A lady in waiting, as yet unnamed by Buckingham Palace, will travel to the chapel with the Queen by car and enter the church, but as a member of the royal household, not as a guest. She will remain in the nave, and not be seated in the quire with the royal family.
– The duke’s private secretary
– Brigadier Archie Miller Bakewell was the duke’s right hand man for 11 years, taking on the role in 2010. He will process behind the duke’s coffin with two pages and two valets, and will enter the chapel, but not be seated in the quire.
WHO WILL BE MISSING?
– The Duchess of Sussex
Meghan, who is pregnant with her second child, has stayed in California after doctors advised her not to fly. But her attendance would have proved controversial in the wake of the allegations she raised during her Oprah interview.
– The great-grandchildren
The Queen and Philip’s 10 great-grandchildren – Savannah and Isla Phillips; Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis of Cambridge; Mia, Lena and Lucas Tindall; Archie Mountbatten-Windsor; and August Brooksbank – are considered too young to attend. All are aged 10 and under.
– A first cousin – and spouses of cousins
The Queen’s cousin Prince Michael of Kent is not on the guest list, nor is his wife Princess Michael of Kent, or the Duchess of Kent and the Duchess of Gloucester – spouses of the Duke of Kent and the Duke of Gloucester.
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