Presiding over Prince Philip's intimate funeral on Saturday, the dean of Windsor (the spiritual head of St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle) praised the Duke of Edinburgh's "kindness, humor, and humanity," as well as his "unwavering loyalty" to Queen Elizabeth II and his service in the Royal Navy.
The tribute was concise and, as per Philip's request, the dean did not deliver a sermon.
"We remember the many ways in which his long life has been a blessing to us"
Right Reverend David Conner, Dean of Windsor, read the bidding at the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral service at St George's Chapel, Windsor
https://t.co/UpV6n1fk5f pic.twitter.com/QIidVj4jXB— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) April 17, 2021
Only 30 people, including Philip's grandsons William and Harry, were at the ceremony in person because of coronavirus restrictions. The attendees wore masks and remained socially distanced, based on households. The queen sat in a section of a pew by herself, which prompted several people to comment on how the "striking" scene was representative of how many people have had to grieve this last year because of the pandemic.
For many of us who lost someone over the past year, this picture is how we felt, and even still feel. There was much vicarious grief today: in a sense, the Dean of Windsor and Archbishop of Canterbury committed many thousands to eternal rest, and comforted millions of the living. pic.twitter.com/gCbVdNf83z
— Adrian Hilton (@Adrian_Hilton) April 17, 2021
