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ROYAL FAREWELL
Prince William, Kate Middleton and Charles arrive for Philip’s funeral in Windsor
PRINCE William, Kate Middleton and Prince Charles were pictured arriving at Windsor Castle today to say a final farewell to Prince Philip.
The Duke of Edinburgh - Britain's longest-serving consort - is being laid to rest in a scaled-back, Covid-secure ceremony honouring his service.
🔵 Read our Prince Philip funeral live blog for the latest updates
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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were pictured being driven to the castle this morning from Kensington Palace.
Kate was dressed all in black with a netted veil covering her face mask. She is also wearing a stunning pearl necklace belonging to the Queen and drop earrings.
The necklace was also worn by Princess Diana in a touching nod to her late mother-in-law.
Meanwhile William looked sombre in a black suit and black tie, teamed with a face mask.
His dad Prince Charles was pictured in a Tesla arriving at Windsor Castle with wife Camilla, followed by his younger brother Prince Andrew.
It comes as:
- Queen arrives at Prince Philip’s funeral on ‘her saddest day’ as his coffin is moved into chapel
- Prince Harry stands apart from William at Philip’s funeral as he’s seen in Britain for first time since Oprah interview
- Britain pauses for national minute’s silence to honour Prince Philip on day of mourning
- Absent Meghan Markle leaves handwritten note to Prince Philip as family gather to say goodbye
- Queen’s special relationship with Prince Andrew proven once again as she seats him in prime spot for Philip funeral
- Meghan Markle watches Prince Philip’s funeral on live-stream from US with Archie after doctors said she couldn’t attend
Princess Beatrice and husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi were also driven to meet with the family ahead of the funeral.
The proceedings started at 11am today when his coffin was moved from the private chapel to the Inner Hall of Windsor Castle.
Philip's casket is covered with his personal standard along with his sword, naval cap and a wreath of flowers.
The coffin was moved by the Queen's Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, where Philip was a colonel for 42 years.
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From there, Philip's coffin was placed in a modified military green Land Rover he spent 16 years adapting to take him on his final journey.
A band played I Vow to Thee my Country as the Land Rover was driven through the Quadrangle to the State Entrance of the castle.
His coffin was given a royal salute and met by members of the Royal Family as it was carried to the hearse.
At 2.44pm, the national anthem rang out as the Queen - joined by a Lady-in-Waiting - was taken in a Bentley to St George's Chapel.
The Queen paused at his coffin to bid her beloved husband of 73 years farewell as he is laid to rest.
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At 2.45pm, the Band of the Grenadier Guards, followed by the Major General commanding the Household Division, lead the procession.
Different groups followed the Duke of Edinburgh's coffin through the grounds of Windsor Castle.
Philip's children, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and Prince Charles formed one group.
Prince William and Harry were separated during the eight-minute procession by their cousin Peter Phillips at the request of the Queen.
There had been speculation the brothers would be stood shoulder-to-shoulder as they followed their grandad's coffin.
All eyes have been on Harry and Wills, who came face-to-face for the first time since the former left the UK for a new life in California.
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A national minute's silence took place at 3pm before the 50-minute service honouring Philip's 70-plus years of duty to the Queen and country begins.
Buglers from the Royal Marines sounded Action Stations to reflect Philip's life-long association with the Royal Navy.
The song is played on a warship to signal all hands should go to battle stations and is sometimes featured at the funerals of naval men.
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Philip's funeral was peppered with touching nods to his military service.
There was a touching Navy send-off before his coffin is lowered into the Royal Vault.
Music chosen by the duke included the hymn "Eternal Father, Strong to Save" - traditionally associated with seafarers and the maritime armed services.
But none of the Royal Family wore military uniforms and instead donned morning coat with medals or day dress after fears Prince Harry would be the only male senior royal dressed differently.
The event was different to any other royal funeral after Covid made the family strip back all tradition.
Just 30 mourners attended to honour Britain's longest-serving consort.
Among them were his four children and all his grandchildren and their spouses - including William, Harry, Eugenie and Beatrice.
Three of Philip's German relatives - Bernhard, the Hereditary Prince of Baden; Donatus, Prince and Landgrave of Hesse; and Prince Philipp of Hohenlohe-Langenburg - were among the attendees.
The trio are great-nephews and a cousin of Philip - with the duke making it clear he wanted his "blood" family to be included in his funeral arrangements.
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The stripped back guestlist meant a couple of mourners expected to be included were left off.
That included Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, the Duchess of Gloucester and Philip's private secretary Archie Miller-Bakewell.
Meghan Markle also didn't attend as she is pregnant, and none of Philip's ten great-grandchildren were there as they are too young.
Buckingham Palace said the Queen faced "some very difficult" decisions as she selected the 30 guests from the original 800 mourners.
Under further Covid rules, all those entering the chapel wore a mask and all members of the Royal Family were seated two metres apart.
But the funeral still followed Prince Philip's wishes - and hailed his "courage, fortitude and faith".
The Dean of Windsor, in the Bidding, will also paid tribute to Philip's "kindness, humour and humanity."
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"With grateful hearts, we remember the many ways in which his long life has been a blessing to us," he he said of Philip, who died aged 99 last Friday.
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"We have been inspired by his unwavering loyalty to our Queen, by his service to the Nation and the Commonwealth, by his courage, fortitude and faith.
"Our lives have been enriched through the challenges that he has set us, the encouragement that he has given us, his kindness, humour and humanity."
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Prince Philip funeral security sees armed police patrol Windsor, search drains and comb river as public told stay away
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