Queen Elizabeth II cut a lonely figure at Windsor Castle today as she said her final goodbye to her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip. The Duke of Edinburgh’s St George’s Chapel funeral was being held following coronavirus restrictions. Only 30 family members and close friends were allowed, and they had to practice social distancing. Shortly before 3 pm local time, Philip’s coffin was carried out of Windsor Castle’s state entrance and placed on an adapted Land Rover of the Prince’s design for the chapel procession. Elizabeth was forced to sit apart from the rest of her family during Prince Philip’s funeral as she farewelled her husband of 73 years.
Her Majesty followed in a Bentley, accompanied by a lady-in-waiting, Susan Hussey. Several close family members walked behind the car, including Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince William, and Prince Harry. The Queen then entered the chapel before the rest of the procession. She sat alone in the quire while other mourners were separated into family bubbles. The Queen bowed in silence as David Connor, the Dean of Windsor, began the funeral service. “We are here today in St George’s Chapel to commit into the hands of God the soul of his servant Prince Philip,” said the Dean.
“With grateful hearts, we remember how his long life has blessed us. “Our lives have been enriched through the challenges that he has set us, the encouragement that he has given us, his kindness, humor, and humanity. We have been inspired by his unwavering loyalty to our Queen, his service to the nation and the Commonwealth, and his courage, fortitude, and faith. “We, therefore, pray that God will give us the grace to follow his example and that, with our brother Philip, we shall finally know the joys of life eternal.”
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic were also evident in other parts of the service. Instead of the usual full choir one would expect, there were only four singers, each of them spaced apart. Guests were not allowed to sing at all. The Dean spoke again as Philip’s coffin was lowered into the Royal Vault, where his body would remain until the Queen died and he was moved to be with her. “Go forth upon thy journey from this world, oh Christian soul,” he said. “In the name of God the Father Almighty who created thee; in the name of Jesus Christ who suffered for thee; in the name of the Holy Spirit who strengtheneth thee; may thy portion this day be in peace, and they dwell in the heavenly Jerusalem. Amen.” Several viewers noted that the Queen’s isolation during the service and the emptiness of the chapel were a powerful reminder of the ordeal many others have suffered after losing loved ones during the pandemic.
