THE Duke has been granted his dying wish of a small “no-fuss” funeral, thanks to ongoing Covid restrictions.
Prince Philip’s ceremonial funeral takes place today (Saturday, April 17, 2021) at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. But who walked behind Philip’s coffin?
Read our Prince Philip funeral live blog for the latest updates
Prince Charles walked behind Philip’s coffin on Saturday, as part of a procession at his funeral in Windsor.
The coffin was placed onto a specially modified Land Rover, which Philip helped to design, and was transported to its final resting place at St George’s Chapel, in Windsor Castle.
The Rover proceeded slowly through the Castle grounds before the funeral, draped in Philip’s personal standard, a wreath of flowers and his naval cap and sword.
Just hours after Philip’s death Charles released an emotional tribute to his late father, saying “my dear Papa was a very special person”.
Prince William joined his brother and his father to walk behind the Duke’s coffin in Saturday’s funeral.
William had reportedly always been incredibly close to his grandpa.
Earlier Prince William hailed “extraordinary” Philip – saying his children will miss their “mischievous” great-grandfather.
The Duke of Cambridge shared a sweet photograph of his son George with Prince Philip – snapped by Kate Middleton – thanking his grandfather for his “infectious sense of adventure”.
In the emotional statement, William, 38, said he was thankful for Philip guiding him “good times and the hardest days”.
He added: “I know he would want us to get on with the job.”
Wills said: “My grandfather’s century of life was defined by service – to his country and Commonwealth, to his wife and Queen, and to our family.
“I feel lucky to have not just had his example to guide me, but his enduring presence well into my own adult life – both through good times and the hardest days.”
Philip joined Charles, William and Harry walking behind Diana’s coffin during her September 1997 funeral.
It’s said that Philip joined the procession as a means of persuading Prince William to walk.
Prince Harry flew 5,000 miles from the US to be at Windsor Castle this Saturday.
Once there, he met senior royals for the first time since “Megxit” and his Oprah Winfrey chat.
He walked behind Philip’s coffin alongside brother William and dad Charles — just weeks after he claimed they were trapped inside the Royal Family.
But a Palace source insisted: “I’m sure Charles will be very happy to see his son. It’s been more than a year. The Prince is very much looking forward to seeing him.”
Harry last saw the royals at the Westminster Abbey Commonwealth Day service on March 9, 2020.
Last month, Harry’s pal, TV host Gayle King revealed Charles and William had “unproductive” crisis talks with Harry. But some royal experts believe William is willing to give his brother a final chance.
Royal author Penny Junor said: “My hope is that if something good can come out of the Duke’s death is that it brings the family together.
“This is a golden opportunity. But there is undoubtedly a lot of hurt.”
