On Saturday 17 April 2021, The Duke of Edinburgh's ceremonial royal funeral takes place at St George's Chapel in Windsor. On the morning of the funeral, the Duke's coffin was moved from the Private Chapel to the Inner Hall of Windsor Castle. The Duke of Edinburgh's coffin was taken to St. George’s Chapel on a specially modified Land Rover.
The Prince of Wales, The Princess Royal, The Duke of York and The Earl of Wessex walked alongside the coffin. The Duke of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex also walked behind the coffin, on either side of Peter Phillips, the Duke’s eldest grandchild.
Queen Elizabeth was accompanied in the funeral procession by a lady in waiting. The Queen travelled to the Chapel in her Bentley. Princess Anne’s husband, Timothy Laurence, and the Duke’s nephew, the Earl of Snowdon, also participated in the official procession that made its way to St. George’s Chapel for the service.
In addition to those in the procession, many senior members of the Royal Family were in attendance. The Duchess of Cornwall, the Duchess of Cambridge and the Countess of Wessex were all present. All of The Duke of Edinburgh’s grandchildren also attended.
Three of Prince Philip’s relations also attended the service. Bernhard, Hereditary Prince of Baden joined the ceremony alongside Prince Donatus, Landgrave of Hesse and Prince Philipp of Hohenlohe-Langenburg. At the end of the ceremony, the Duke's coffin was buried in the Royal Vault beneath the Chapel.
A simple, powerful funeral service. Rarely does one leave a funeral feeling inspired and strengthened, but I do after watching this funeral service. The choice of music and reading really speaks of the man the Duke of Edinburgh was. Rest In Peace sir, and brother in Christ.
ReplyDeleteTala
Des photos empreintes de beaucoup d'émotion ; j'étais devant mon poste de télévision et à certaines reprises, j'avais les larmes aux yeux !
ReplyDeleteWhat a terribly sad occasion for the Queen. The photo of her sitting alone is just heartbreaking. I know it’s not the time for fashion, but I can’t help thinking how beautiful Kate’s outfit is. The hat, the suit, the jewelry - each so flattering on her. (V.M.)
ReplyDeleteShe was just stunning.
DeleteShe was wearing a four strand pearl choker that once belonged to the late Diana, Princess of Wales. And maybe her earrings, too, but that was hard to make out.
DeleteV.M., you said exactly what I thought about the Queen and Kate. Totally agree. Kate's updo is also beautiful and very flattering with her hat and face.
DeleteI feel for the family. Despite their loss and the simplicity of the funeral, it also showed true class and dignity.
V.M. and Rosalyn, I totally agree.
DeleteThe earrings of Kate were a gift to Elizabeth, (from someone not yet known) when she married Prince Philip
DeleteAbsolutely agreed. Just heartbreaking for HM The Queen. (And yes, Catherine looks magnificent).
DeleteChel
DSC, I went about to check about the pearl choker on Kate, because I vaguely remembered having seen it on the Queen before as well. It turns out, on the basis of the info available, that it actually belongs to the Queen, given to her by the Japanese government. She lent it to Diana, and now also to Kate, but it apparently belongs to the Queen. - I think Kate looked classically beautiful on this occasion. - Ellie
DeleteEllie - very true! It's called the "Four Row Japanese Pearl Choker" . The pearls had been presented to the Queen on a State Visit to Japan and she had them made into that beautiful choker by jeweller Garrard. She had worn this piece herself on few occasions and later lent it to Diana. It now ended up on the Duchess of Cambridge, her apparently wearing it for the second time for an official engagement. It's a nod to both women, her grandmother-in-law and her mother-in-law.
DeleteI hesitate to say it because it's at funeral but, I think its her best look! Even the eye makeup is good and she sometimes gets a little heavy-handed with the eye makeup. But here, everything is just spot on!
DeleteEuropa
It was a very nice service. The music was just wonderful, and though I like all the pieces, there was one piece that stood out above all the others for me.
ReplyDeleteI liked that all the men were dressed in morning suits. I think that is always appropriate for a funeral, even though it is customary to wear uniform if you've earned it (and I know why they didn't this time).
As for the women, they all looked stylishly modest, except for Kate who veered towards glamour, with or without jewellery apparently honouring the Queen.
Lady Louise looked lovely. She is really coming into her own as she transitions from awkward teenager to confident young adult. I was actually hoping that she might have sat in her grandfathers carriage to the chapel, as she used to ride with him in the grounds of Great Windsor Park.
- Anon 9:13
Prince Phillip, DoE never liked a fuss! This was a lovely send off true to his wishes.
ReplyDeleteHe made his country proud!
Duchess Kate looking very regal, she was born for this. Pure class.
Jill
I feel so sorry for her. She looked so alone. Well, she is. It's hard to imagine how broken hearted she is right now.
ReplyDeleteThe service was incredible. If she wants to cry, scream, yell, she's allowed to
Very moving service.
ReplyDeleteI watched the funeral and at first I thought there was a bit much standing about in uniform and a bit much pomp & circumstance, but the procession and service were so, so simple, powerful and dignified. The choice of music & texts from the Bible stupendous, I never knew that Prince Philip - rather portrayed as a "man of action" had such an interest in and ear for music; the first reading was of stunning beauty, even to a non-Christian such as myself, and it was so fitting. This man, who was so interested in nature, chose such a remarkable text in which God and divine power are seen through nature. The Queen by herself was heartbreaking, all her energy and goodwill and optimism just sucked out of her. Not having family to surround her must have felt extra cruel to her. Kate extraordinarily stunning, I thought, and Charles looked really stricken. He must have had many a conflict with his father, over the years, but those have obviously lost their meaning and bitterness by now. Rest in Peace, Prince Philip, and please surround the Queen with your love and warmth, members of the royal family.
ReplyDeleteThe queen sat alone because of COVID-19 restrictions. Next to her, Pr Andrew also sat alone but wouldn’t have if Sarah who lives with him had attended the funeral. Just like the Wessexes sat together being of the same household.
DeleteVery impressive, dignified and sober funeral; the military in the courtyard as well as the religious service.
ReplyDeleteKate: stunningly beautifull.
Judy
A beautiful farewell for Prince Philip. Very sombre but peaceful, as well.
ReplyDeleteThe singers were superb, and the Russian Kontakion of the Departed (The Anthem) was sublime. As breathtaking today as it was in the film Dr. Zhivago, when the princess is buried against a background of a vast landscape.
I was reminded of my mother's funeral last year, in the midst of a pandemic, with the same number of mourners as today's gathering. These elders were a very special generation, indeed.
May he rest in peace and may the Queen and family be comforted by cherished memories.
Вера💚🦋
This brought back memories of our Mother's funeral last June, only a small number of family allowed to say good bye.
DeleteThe Kontakion was a beautiful way to remember and honor his Orthodox upbringing.
A beautiful way to honor Prince Philip, may his family be comforted by fond memories.
Memory Eternal.
D
The service was dignified and beautiful. I think Prince Philip would be satisfied.
ReplyDeleteSadly, thousands of Londoners mingle on the terraces of cafes, and your 94-year-old queen has to sit alone at her husband's funeral.
Kate looked every inch like a real queen.
Prince Edward has a really beautiful family. So wait about 3 years. Louise will be a real beauty
Eine Ära geht mit Prinz Philip zu Ende ,einen Prinzen wie ihn wird es nie mehr geben , mein Herz ist heute in Windsorr - Ruhe Sanft Prinz Philip !!
ReplyDeleteJa, heute ging eine Ära zu ende und ich musste heute weinen.
DeleteSo ist es, leider!
DeleteThe Duchess of Cambridge absolutely wonderful within her simplicity, that is for me total elegance, simplicity and good taste, magnificent!
ReplyDeleteShe and Queen Letizia are undoubtedly the two most elegant royals of the moment with much advantage over the following.
Herzogin Catherine ist an Eleganz nicht zu übertreffen !!
DeleteI think you could add Princess Mary of Denmark to the list of "most elegant royals"
DeleteThe funeral beautiful, respectful and comforting in all its simplicity.
ReplyDeleteHM the Queen strong as ever although undoubtedly very much in grief and sad.
It was a perfect organised good bye to HRH Prince Philip with great respect to the UK military.
I thought Camilla should have worn a more formal black coat, not one with white stripes going down the front, and her mask should have been all black, as the other ladies were.
ReplyDeleteAnne, Catherine, Sophie, Louise, and all the other ladies were perfectly attired. cal
Nothing wrong with Camilla's coat. The Queen's black mask had VERY white borders. ~Laurel~
DeleteCamilla's dress had no white stripes whatsoever. Those you call "stripes", are black. Due to their different weave (possibly satin) from that of the dress fabric (crepe) they do shine in the bright sunshine and give an impression of being lighter than black.
DeleteMargot
Agree with the stripes being white. She wore that coat in Greece not to long ago, and they were definitely white. All the comments at the time said, 'how wonderful the coat is different with the white stripes'. Too bad people don't consider that comments are one's personal thoughts, not just going along with the crowd, and then to be bullied with negative remarks, is just silly. This is a forum for personal opinions of fashion. :) ori
DeleteHaving had an outdoor celebration for my mother in law's 90th birthday today, I have just watched the funeral service and like Tala, found it inspiring and comforting. (Like Bepa, my mother, 93, died lastttttt year and we were fortunate that restrictions at that time meant we were able to take her home to her beloved Isle of Lewis and have a graveside funeral which all the family were able to attend.) These are people of such an impressive generation, with the admirable ability to get on with whatever life threw at them. The TV coverage ended beautifully with “He now rests in peace in the royal vault beneath St George's Chapel, having fought the good fight, having finished the race, and having kept the faith" Rest in Peace, sir
ReplyDeleteMay God carry the Queen during this time, as well and her and the late Duke's children. She is a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and feels the pain no less acutely than anyone else. The adult children lost their father and numerous young people lost their grandfather and great-grandfather.
ReplyDeleteIt's not the best time to mention it but Kate bears a striking resemblance to Queen Alexandra, in profile and shape of clothing, even a century apart. It has crossed my mind before and I am definitely reminded of it again seeing how she looks.
ReplyDeleteI think of that all the time, even her mannerism is that of Queen Alexandra and Queen Mary.
DeleteJ
It was a simple and beautiful ceremony.
ReplyDeleteThe photo of the Queen sitting alone is so filled with symbolism that is ever so painful at this time.
ReplyDeletePrayers for strength and comfort for Her Majesty.
RW
I am only watching now. Very beautiful and moving send of for a great man. May he RIP.
ReplyDeleteAll are dressed appropriately. Although it was a shame the men couldn't wear military attire.
I was wondering why Zara James and Louise didn't walk behind they being grandchildren also.
Typically, it is only male relatives in the funeral procession. That's why Zara, Beatrice, Eugenie and Louise weren't included- Anne was an exception. I'm guessing no James because of his age.
DeleteWith all due respect I have to comment a little about fashion, but only regarding Kate.
ReplyDeleteI haven’t seen anybody so beautifully dressed at a funeral, she looked stunning, elegant, fashionable and gorgeous. May they queen find solace and comfort embraced by her family.
CB
There is often something good in the bad: the royal family was able to mourn in an almost family-like gathering because of the Covid restrictions. With all the guests from all over the world, the funeral service would normally have been a kind of happening again. Perhaps royal funerals should be held in this setting in the future. It might be worth considering. Frieda
ReplyDeleteGood point @Frieda
DeleteA great observation.
DeleteThe funeral was simple,respectful and with many symbolisms..
ReplyDeleteFashion wise,all ladies were dressed appropriately,except from Catherine's choice of jewellery.
The earrings are wonderful,but to long for th occasion and the necklace,just a big no....Too big and glamorous...A simple row of pearls,or even a three row of pearls would be nicer..
I also find the coat of royal princess,a bit too sport for the ocassion but this is her style anyway..
Her Majesty,was absolutely perfect..
The earrings were made from pearls that the Queen received as a wedding gift. The necklace was worn once before by the Duchess, at the 70th anniversary celebration of the Queen and Prince Philip. I thought that Catherine's choice of both of those were a lovely nod to the enduring love story of her husband's grandparents.
DeleteI agree with your comment on Kate's choice of jewellery.
DeleteAs the jewelry belongs to the queen, and was therefore loaned to her for this occasion by the queen, I think the subject is moot. I don't critique attire worn at funerals or memorials as a rule because I think the focus should be on the reason they are there, not what is worn. If you want to criticize Kate's jewelry, you must then criticize the Queen for wearing a large diamond brooch. Let it go. This was a family funeral, and you can't know the meaning behind every little thing. ~d
DeleteI think it's about symbolism. The jewelry resembles the union of Philip and the Queen. When my mother-in-law died,I wore on funeral the jewelry she gave me. I just felt it was right thing.
DeleteStephanie
I hear what you are saying but I think not a thing goes on that isn't agreed-to - no outfit, no jewelry that isn't approved of and probably even suggested by assistants in the background that have the history of everything. I think they are saying, at what might seem like an inopportune time but it's all about appearances, that Kate is moving up in the scheme of things. It's unlikely she came up with this idea on her own. They are pushing her out front, even slightly, and making a distinction by having her wear an important piece.
DeleteThe Duchess of Cambridge's outfit was very elegant but too showy for a funeral. Jewellery was too much. Her look would have been more sober with only a brooch like the Queen, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Countess of Wessex.
ReplyDeleteThe queen loaned the jewelry to Kate to wear for this occasion, so I wouldn't dare question them being appropriate..of course they are. A beautiful but simple addition to a solid black dresscoat..with a special tribute to the queen and Phillip. Ann B
DeleteThe Duchess of Cambridge’s perfect dress and thanks to the Queen for choices
ReplyDeletethis wonderful Jewelry too Duchess of Cambridge.
Princess Eugenie looks she will have here baby soon.........
Princess Eugenie, Mrs. Brooksbank, already had her baby boy. The same applies to Zara Tindall née Philipps. They delivered their babies only some weeks ago.
DeleteI found the funeral very appropriate for his royal highness. Even the restrictions driven by the pandemic somehow were a sort of closing the circle back to the rather tragic conditions of his early life. May he Rest In Peace.
ReplyDeleteYes, this is a royal fashion blog, so I will offer my two cents. I found everyone appropriately dressed for mourning. Regal in the quality of the cut but appropriately unassuming. Can’t necessarily say quite the same about Kate. Somewhat close to too much glamour and desire to stand out and be the star of the show. As I said, my two cents.
CH
I actually had the same feeling about Kate's attire. While the coat dress is absolutely gorgeous and the jewellery phenomenal, it struck me too as a bit too much and too glamorous for the occasion. A single strand of pearls with simple pearl solitaire earrings would have looked divine. . She is usually not one for statement jewellery, she has always been minimalistic in that department, so this choice is a bit baffling to me and she surely stands out from the other ladies, whether willingly or not. I get it that the pieces have symbolism, but I am sure there are numerous other pieces in the Queen's vault that are simpler and would have still been a nod to the Queen. But I guess we will never know the real reason for her choosing precisely these ones.... RIP Prince Philip.
DeleteMimi
I fully agree with you Mimi.
DeleteThis is exactly the point that I also made way up above in my first comment: All the ladies were modestly and stylishly appropriate for a funeral except in my opinion, Kate, who veered towards glamour. I wouldn't want everyone telling me how stunning I look at a funeral. That's not the occasion to earn those kind of compliments.
DeleteKnowing proper decorum is part of that 'class' thing everyone on this site seems so fascinated by, and thinks she has so much of. Maybe she doesn't and is still learning the hard way.
- Anon 9:13
I also agree with all you ladies. Catherine looks absolutely stunning indeed, from head to toe, but there are few occasions when that is not necessarily the look one wants to project, and this is one of those occasions, when the attention should be on the person who has passed away. Interestingly, Camilla who is known for her pearl chokers and owns many of them, chose to go without one in this occasion and opted for a beautiful brooch instead, perhaps with some symbolism in it too. And she looked exquisite with it. For all we know, the other ladies in attendance may have borrowed their beautiful brooches from the Queen too. In this context, Catherine's choice stands out even more as an odd choice.... Unless this was all planned and all the ladies agreed their respective jewellery beforehand, particularly the "swap" between Camilla and Kate. I would be very curious if at some point the real reason will become public... or maybe not.
DeleteAva M.
The royal family have lost their anchor; as The Duke of Edinburgh held the ship steady. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth has piloted the ship well; for a small while she will be in uncharted waters, but with the help of her crew, she will navigate the ship into quite waters. God bless Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
ReplyDeletePrince Philip lived long life. He is/was loved. He will be missed. RIP Prince Philip.
ReplyDeleteThe ceremony was well planned, solemn and beautiful. It was what Prince Philip wanted. I did not know him but I felt sadness when I saw deep grief in people's faces.
Fashion wise...when I think of Queen Elizabeth, I think of pastel and bright colors. This time understandably she wore black [but her face mask had white stripes]. It broke my heart to see her sitting there. All alone. No longer her husband Philip at her side...
The Duchess of Cambridge looked beautiful. Everything styled perfectly, from head to toe. Some complain about the necklace but I liked it, it was well fitted with that coat of hers. Very regal and impressive look from her.
The Countess of Wessex looked very lovely and appropriate too. And her daughter is turnig into beautiful young lady and seem to have her mother's lovely style.
And those brooches ladies wore...divine.
-Karin
From the Daily Mail, about the choice of Kate's jewelry:
ReplyDelete'The Japanese Pearl choker necklace was worn by Kate for the Queen and Prince Philip's 70th wedding anniversary dinner at Windsor Castle in 2017' (...) 'The earrings were crafted from pearls gifted to the Queen and Philip from the ruler of Bahrain at the time of their wedding in 1947.'
So I don't think Kate's jewelry is too much or too glamorous for this event; I rather think it's a touching tribute to the marriage of The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.
Duchess Catherine was neither *too* elegant nor *too* showy. She was simply really breathtakingly beautiful. Just imagine the very same outfit, pearl choker included, on the Duchess of Cornwall, nobody would have dropt a word about being too showy. - This is of course nothing against Camilla, I hope you understand what I mean: Catherine showed an extraordinary and admirable unity and harmony between personal body characteristics and outfit.) (-Ann.)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. She looked lovely and wore that jewellery for a reason and we have no right to question her beauty. She is what she is.
DeleteI liked the Duchess of Cambridge's necklace. It was a tribute to the enduring bond between Phillip and Elizabeth. Lovely. She looked lovely. Meg
ReplyDeleteDuchess of Cambridge looks great - too great for a funeral, I think, with the bling and the eyeliner wings. Everyone else looks appropriate. Very pleased to see the Queen's extended family stepping in to help - my hunch is that Prince William did not want a redux of the walk he and Prince Harry had at their mother's funeral, which Harry specifically said was traumatic - the photos of them doing it again now would be fodder - I think this funeral was very deliberately planned and memorialized the Duke very well.
ReplyDeleteWell said, Unknown. I agree with your thoughtful response.
Delete- Anon 9:13
Another Anonymous comment.
DeleteA beautiful and sad ceremony.
ReplyDeleteRIP Prince Philip
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