Queen and Royal Family granted moment of privacy to farewell Prince Philip as cameras cut away for final goodbye

THE Royal Family was granted a moment of privacy to bid Prince Philip farewell today as cameras cut away for their final goodbyes.

The Duke of Edinburgh was laid to rest in an emotional service in St George's Chapel, Windsor, this afternoon.

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His funeral was broadcast to millions around the world, with cameras showing the duke's coffin being lowered into the Royal Vault.

It was the first time ever the moment has been televised and marked a groundbreaking moment for royal history.

But as the time came for the coffin to slowly disappear, the cameras cut away, allowing each member of the Royal Family a chance to grieve alone.

The cameras cut away from the Queen, hunched over and head bowed, to the piper, the buglers and trumpeters positioned in the Nave.

Her Majesty was in her usual seat in the second row of the Quire, but this time, without her husband by her side.

Usually, the movement of the coffin being placed into the vault beneath the floor of the Quire of St George's Chapel takes place in private. 

But for the first time, the BBC and Sky News broadcasted the poignant moment, after millions tuned in to watch Prince Philip's final journey. 

As it was lowered into the Royal Vault, the Garter King of Arms proclaimed the Duke’s “styles and titles” which were read out in full. 

As planned by Philip himself, the naval call to arms, Action Stations, was played as the coffin was lowered. 

Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty magazine, described the moment as "unique in British royal history".

Her Majesty, who wore all black and a face mask for the occasion, appeared sorrowful and deep in thought as she entered St George's Chapel, Windsor.

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.

She 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.

And 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.

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.