Politics
Prince Philip’s final journey – Full route Duke’s coffin will take before being laid to rest in Windsor
PRINCE Philip will make his final journey this afternoon as his coffin is laid to rest in Windsor Castle.
The Duke of Edinburgh will embark on a final eight minute journey before a bugler signals his final wish – calling his family together.
The Duke’s coffin was moved from the private chapel at Windsor Castle at 11am this morning to the Inner Hall of Windsor Castle as mourners began arriving for the royal funeral.
The coffin was moved by the Queen’s Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, where Philip was a colonel for 42 years.
At 2.40pm, the coffin will move to the state entrance where it will be loaded onto a modified Land Rover which Prince himself helped to design. The vehicle will be used to transport the coffin during the procession.
The service will begin with a ceremonial procession, setting off from the state entrance at 2.45pm with the Prince of Wales and members of Royal Family following on foot behind Philip’s coffin.
The national anthem will then ring out as the Queen – joined by a Lady-in-Waiting – is taken in a Bentley to St George’s Chapel. The monarch, who lost her beloved husband of more than 70 years, will have to sit alone.
The route will lead the Prince of Wales and other royals on foot to the west door of the chapel.
Different groups will follow the Duke of Edinburgh’s coffin through the grounds of Windsor Castle.
One group will consist of the Duke of Edinburgh’s children – Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and Prince Charles.
But Prince William and Harry will be separated during the procession by their cousin Peter Phillips at the request of the Queen.
A national minute’s silence will take 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 will sound Action Stations to reflect Philip’s life-long association with the Royal Navy.
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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.
Philip’s funeral has been peppered with touching nods to his military service.
There will be a touching Navy send-off before his coffin is lowered into the Royal Vault.
