Under bright spring sunshine, rehearsals for the funeral of Prince Philip have been taking place. Members of the Army, Navy and RAF have been practising every aspect of the ceremony which will see the Duke of Edinburgh laid to rest.
Soldiers from the Welsh Guards bow their heads during rehearsals for the funeral of The Duke of Edinburgh
(photo SAC Tom Cann RAF/ UK Mniistry of Defence 2021)
While mourners in the congregation at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor on April 17th are limited to just 30 because of coronavirus restrictions, hundreds of service personnel will take part in the ceremonial of the funeral. They are all classed as working on the day meaning they come under different pandemic rules. However, the pandemic had a direct impact on the start of rehearsals. As soon as the death of the Duke of Edinburgh was announced, just after noon on April 9th 2021, a major operation was launched to bring all the personnel required together for practice but also to ensure Covid screening took place quickly and effectively, to protect all those taking part in the funeral.
Around 750 military personnel from across the UK will take part in the ceremony and they have gathered at Brunswick Lines, Pirbright for the ongoing rehearsals. Those taking part in the ceremonial procession include a Guard of Honour, Route Liners, Bearer Parties and military bands.
Photo by Cpl Danielle Dawson/ UK Ministry of Defence 2021
Every aspect of Saturday’s events is being checked and perfected and one of the first tasks to get under way was inspection of the uniforms to be worn. Among those overseeing this part of the operation is Warrant Officer Class 2 Osea Navuso of the 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (The Highlanders) who met the Duke of Edinburgh on several occasions. As preparations got under way, he said ‘This is a day we’ve all been preparing for; to be involved with this momentous occasion, honoured is an understatement. This is one of the most important activities that the regimental tailor can be involved with, it is my time to make them proud.”
The funeral plans are all in line with the wishes of the Duke of Edinburgh who was heavily involved in organising the service It will be a Ceremonial Royal Funeral and will involve personnel drawn from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army Regiments and Corps and the Royal Air Force.
The House Divisions Band rehearse for the funeral of The Duke of Edinburgh
(Sergeant Donald C Todd RLC/ UK Ministry of Defence 2021)
The Bearer Party which will take his coffin to the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle for the final procession to the funeral service at St. George’s will be made up of members of the The Queen’s Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards. In the Quadrangle, there will be representative detachments drawn from many of Philip’s military attachments. The Prince’s coffin will be placed on a Land Rover designed especially for the ceremony by the Duke himself. On arrival at St. George’s, Prince Philip’s coffin will be carried to the church by another Bearer Party of Royal Marines.
Following the funeral service, which will be televised, the Duke of Edinburgh will be laid to rest in the Royal Vault at St. George’s Chapel.
