Queen ‘left handwritten note signed with Prince Philip’s sweet pet name for her’ on duke’s coffin in final farewell
THE Queen left a handwritten note for Prince Philip on his coffin today as she bid her husband a final farewell.
Her Majesty, 94, laid the Duke of Edinburgh, who stood by her side for seven decades of unwavering service, to rest in St George's Chapel this afternoon.
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Philip's coffin was draped in the Duke of Edinburgh's 12ft personal standard and adorned by a wreath of white, spring flowers selected by the Queen.
Also resting on top was a handwritten card reading "in loving memory" and the duke's Admiral of the Fleet naval cap and sword.
It was left on top of the Duke of Edinburgh's coffin throughout the moving service.
The signature on the card was tucked out of sight in the flowers, obscuring whether it read Elizabeth or Lillibet – the duke's nickname for the Queen.
, however, reported that the signature read, 'Lilibet'.
The Queen was given the name by her father, King George VI, because she couldn’t pronounce her own - and Philip, along with other close family members, have kept it ever since.
Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the personal detail, saying it was "private".
The Queen wore all black and a face mask for today's service and appeared deep in thought as she entered St George's Chapel.
One powerful image showed the sombre royal sat alone in the vast chapel as she said her final goodbyes to her loyal husband, 99, who died on April 9.
The monarch had made her way to the front of the chapel alone - after Covid rules meant guests had to socially-distance and sit two-metres apart.
In highly-emotional scenes, she bowed her head respectfully as Prince Philip's coffin was carried by pallbearers to be placed in front of her pew.
The Duke of Edinburgh's death means the Queen - who turns 95 next week - will now rule alone for the first time in her 69-year reign.
During the service, Prince Charles fought back tears as the Dean of Windsor paid tribute to Philip's lifetime of dedication and service to his country.
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Prince William sat next to his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, while Harry sat opposite on the other side of the chapel.
As the 50-minute service came to a close, Philip's coffin was lowered into the Royal Vault - in unprecedented scenes never aired on television before.
But the Royal Vault is not his final resting place as he will eventually be buried alongside the Queen at Frogmore Gardens when she passes away.