HRH The Prince Philip Funeral

[IamnotH]

Watching on BBC 1. Wish Huw would shut up and let us listen to the bands/watch them March.

Oh dear I am in a bit of a state. Beautiful service

@Roussette

I actually think that this is a much better and respectful way of doing things than the 800+ congregation plus gawpers that there would have been. Perhaps this will be the catalyst to scale things back in future

I so agree with this wholeheartedly. Without covid there would be hundreds flying in from all over the world, (carbon footprint) and this simple moving service is so much more meaningful.

There is still all the pomp and ceremony with the military bands but this sort of service should be the new way I think.

I agree @Roussette but there's so much diplomacy and etiquette required so as not to cause offence to anyone and in order to be inclusive. They just couldn't achieve it under 'normal' circumstances.

The press would have a field day inventing all sorts of stories and whipping up drama wrt those not invited.

@FlattestWhite

How does the coffin get lowered into the vault? They don't have to carry it down?

It descends on a lift

Edward's son James didn't walk either, he's only young so very sensibly decision.

Ok that got me

Yes, you're most likely right freckles. It's just good to see how it can be done.

@Roussette

GooseberryJam Totally agree with Anne's sentiments. And my parents died within 10 days of each other after over 60 years of marriage. It was just such a shock

That must have been terrible.

Ah, so did they lower him into the vault whilst we were watching the buglers/trumpeters? I’m glad the family had that moment privately.

The Queen looks all hat and mask today. I’m sorry that, and sitting alone cuts her off from the other mourners but also glad of the privacy it gives her

@SliderTimeYay

I feel so much for the Queen and her family. Am shedding a tear but all beautifully done. Also remembering the tiny funereal for my brother and for my mother in law last year and how painful it was to have to socially distance when grieving for loved ones.

It is for people like you that it is right that this funeral follows Covid regulations. You are not alone.

Ah we didn’t see the coffin go. Good, some privacy.

Thought The Queen looked pretty steady on her way out.

Oh Beatrice with her crumpled tissue.

That was a truly beautiful ceremony.

I commend them all for not being ugly criers. I'm a particularly ugly crier - and for about two hours afterwards.

I wasn’t expecting

The ponies and the gloves

The beautiful music

The disappearance of the coffin into the crypt.

I think the coffin started its descent just before the cameras switched to the nave

Thanks Gooseberry.

What a moving ceremony.

Given how difficult the pandemic has made this, I think everyone has made this the very best it can be. And who knows, perhaps Phillip would've been glad of the simplicity of this.

That was beautiful. I wonder whether it might have any influence on the next royal funeral.

@GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat

Edward's son James didn't walk either, he's only young so very sensibly decision.

I agree

@freckles20 thank you

The carriage plus ponies was lovely. Does anyone know what would have been in the little red lidded pot which was there? Did he maybe carry snacks for the ponies or maybe for himself?

It was a lovely service.

I think given the next funeral will either be a full-on state funeral, or a very surprising one, it's likely it'll be back to all the elements there normally is.

Which in some ways is a shame as the acoustics in the empty chapel were stunning.

Ah the piper and the last post undid me

I can't get over how alike Edward & William look.

All the cars look empty driving past the people walking! They can't be I'm sure. Nice to see the family able to mingle and chat a bit outside

Moved all the way through but I didn't think that the virtually empty chapel would make me shed a tear