Queen ‘is touched’ at condolences she has received from ‘old and young’ around the world after the death of Prince Philip
- Palace spokesman said she was ‘grateful’ for all the messages of condolence
- Monarch’s words of thanks came as the full funeral details were revealed today
- Her Majesty will travel in the funeral cortege this Saturday in a state Bentley
The Queen has been ‘touched’ at the condolences she has received from well-wishers ‘old and young’ around the world after the death of Prince Philip.
The monarch’s words of thanks came as full details of her husband’s funeral, which he planned himself, were revealed today.
Her Majesty will travel in the cortege this Saturday in a state Bentley and Prince Harry will not walk side by side with Prince William.
The Queen has been ‘touched’ at the condolences she has received from well-wishers ‘old and young’ around the world after the death of Prince Philip (pictured together)
The Duke of Cambridge and Duke of Sussex, who will be reunited for the first time since Harry’s bombshell Oprah Winfrey chat, will be separated by their cousin Peter Phillips as they walk in a line behind their grandfather’s coffin.
When the coffin is taken into the chapel, William will move ahead of his brother as the royal family arrives in pairs. Officials confirmed royal men will wear morning coats with their medals and the women will wear day dresses.
That came after the Queen approved a last-minute move to present a united family front, amid concern Harry would be the only senior royal not in uniform – and Prince Andrew demanding to wear the uniform of an admiral.
Mourners have continued to lay floral tributes to the late duke at royal residences across the country this week, and the monarch has been keen to show her appreciation for their condolences.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said on behalf of the Queen: ‘Her Majesty and the Royal Family are grateful for all the messages of condolence from around the world and have been touched to see and hear so many people sharing fond memories of the Duke in celebration of his life.
‘The tributes received from young and old are truly a testament to the remarkable life and lasting endeavours of His Royal Highness.’
Philip, who died last Friday aged 99, was the guiding force behind his funeral arrangements and, reflecting his life-long association with the Royal Navy, buglers of the Royal Marines will sound Action Stations during the service.
It is played on a warship to signal all hands should go to battle stations and is sometimes featured at funerals of naval men. A reduced choir of four singers will feature during the service and the guests will not sing.
Floral tributes have been left in Windsor every day since the death was announced last week
The minute-by-minute arrangements for Prince Philip’s funeral on Saturday have been revealed today and are shown above, starting at 11am and finishing just after 3pm
Among the guests are the Duchess of Cornwall, all of the duke’s grandchildren and their spouses, the children of the Queen’s sister Princess Margaret and three of Philip’s German relatives – Bernhard, the Hereditary Prince of Baden; Donatus, Prince and Landgrave of Hesse; and Prince Philipp of Hohenlohe-Langenburg.
Also invited is a close friend of the duke, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, previously known as Lady Romsey and later Lady Brabourne, who was Philip’s carriage driving partner and one of his closest friends.
The Queen will be accompanied to her husband’s funeral in the state Bentley by a lady-in-waiting, but will sit alone in St George’s Chapel. The vehicle will form part of the procession making its way to the chapel in the afternoon.
