Who will walk where in Prince Philip's funeral procession?


Princes Harry and William are to be separated during Prince Philip’s funeral procession, it has today been announced.

The pair will be split by Peter Phillips – the son of the Princess Royal, Princess Anne – as they walk with other family members in the funeral procession.

Led by the band of the Grenadier Guards and followed by top military chiefs, the procession will see Prince Philip’s coffin brought to St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on the back of a specially adapted Land Rover hearse.

The open-backed vehicle – a design the Duke of Edinburgh himself specially drew up – will be flanked by pall bearers from the armed forces, which will reflect his relationships with the military. 

How the royals will line up in the funeral procession list: The Princess Royal and The Prince of Wales will be followed by the Earl of Wessex and The Duke of York. They will be followed by the Duke of Sussex, Mr Peter Phillips and the Duke of Cambridge. Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence and The Earl of Snowdon will then follow, with staff close to Prince Philip behind them

Princes Harry and William are to be separated during Prince Philip's funeral procession, it has today been announced

Princes Harry and William are to be separated during Prince Philip’s funeral procession, it has today been announced

Led by the band of the Grenadier Guards and followed by top military chiefs, the procession will see Prince Philip’s coffin brought to St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on the back of a specially adapted Land Rover hearse. Pictured: Troops leave Windsor Castle after the reheaseal 

The open-backed vehicle - a design the Duke of Edinburgh himself specially drew up - will be flanked by pall bearers from the armed forces, which will reflect his relationships with the military

The open-backed vehicle – a design the Duke of Edinburgh himself specially drew up – will be flanked by pall bearers from the armed forces, which will reflect his relationships with the military

Then come key members of the royal family – those closest to the royal line of succession.

Among them will be Philip’s eldest children, heir apparent to the throne, Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales,and the Princess Royal, Princess Anne.

They will be followed by his younger children, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, and Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex.

Then come the two grandchildren of Philip who are closest in the line of succession, Prince William and Prince Charles.

But in a surprise move, that has not yet been explained by the palace, the Queen has ordered Princess Anne’s son, Peter Phillips, to stand between the two brothers.

The businessman, who does not have a royal title, is the eldest son of Princess Anne and her first husband, Captain Mark Philips.

Though he is 16th in the line of succession, having been knocked down by the line of Prince Charles, Mr Phillips is actually the eldest grandson of the Queen and Prince Philip.

In a surprise move, that has not yet been explained by the palace, the Queen has ordered Princess Anne's son, Peter Phillips, to stand between the two brothers

In a surprise move, that has not yet been explained by the palace, the Queen has ordered Princess Anne’s son, Peter Phillips, to stand between the two brothers

The businessman, who does not have a royal title, is the eldest son of Princess Anne and her first husband, Captain Mark Philips

The businessman, who does not have a royal title, is the eldest son of Princess Anne and her first husband, Captain Mark Philips

The palace has refused to be drawn on his inclusion in the procession, saying it would not be ‘drawn into perceptions and drama’, but said it was signed off by Her Majesty. 

After them will follow Princess Anne’s second husband, Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy James Hamilton Laurence and The Earl of Snowdown.

At the rear of the group will be cherished household staff close to Philip, including two pages and two valets, his personal protection officer and his private secretary.

The Queen is due to follow the procession in a state Bentley, accompanied by a lady-in-waiting, but will sit alone at the service.  

Today officials confirmed royal men will wear morning coats with their medals and the women will wear day dresses on the day.

After them will follow Princess Anne's second husband, Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy James Hamilton Laurence (pictured) and The Earl of Snowdown

After them will follow Princess Anne’s second husband, Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy James Hamilton Laurence (pictured) and The Earl of Snowdown

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.

Meanwhile, the first pictures of a Land Rover hearse Philip designed himself were also revealed.

The Duke had requested a repaint in military green and designed the open top rear and special ‘stops’ to secure his coffin.

The Queen – like all 30 guests invited to the service – will wear a face mask and will sit by herself in the quire of St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, with all mourners following Covid guidelines and remaining socially distanced.

As royal officials said tributes ‘received from young and old are truly a testament to the remarkable life and lasting endeavours’ of the Duke of Edinburgh, the route of the procession on Saturday in the run-up to 3pm became clear.

Other details released by Buckingham Palace in a detailed announcement at 5pm included:

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.

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. 

How Philip painstakingly planned his own funeral: Duke personally selected the regalia that will be on the altar including his RAF Wings and requested special naval war cry be played at the service

Prince Philip’s extraordinary attention to detail will be on show at his funeral this Saturday as all his own minute preparations for the ceremony will be realised.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s no-nonsense attitude in life will be mirrored in his death as the story of his incredible 99 years are remembered.

From the specially adapted Landrover to the naval war cry which will be played, it will be an occasion that will typify his tremendous spirit.

Perhaps the most striking part of the ceremony will come after he is lowered in his coffin into the Royal Vault.

On his own request, The Buglers of the Royal Marines will sound Action Stations in an unusual addition to the service.  It is a very short horn melody that signifies a call to action on naval warships.

Though the sound is not common at funerals, it can be requested by anyone associated with the Royal Navy. It will be played near to the end of the service. 

The Last Post will also be played to signify ‘a soldier has gone to his final rest’. 

Prince Philip joined the Royal Navy aged 17 and served on HMS Valiant during the Second World War – earning a mention in despatches for his ‘bravery and enterprise’ during a sea battle with the Italian fleet. 

A senior Palace official said: ‘Action Stations is a naval tradition and it is an announcement that would be made on a naval warship to signify that all hands, all those serving, on that warship should go into battle stations.’ 

Philip's medals include the following. Queen's Service Order, New Zealand On November 15, 1981, Prince Philip was awarded the Queen's Service Order by the Government of New Zealand for service to the country. The flower-shaped medal is the first worn on Prince Philip's chest. The order was established on March 13, 1975, and is used to recognise 'valuable voluntary service to the community or meritorious and faithful services to the Crown or similar services within the public sector, whether in elected or appointed office'. The order replaced the Imperial Service Order in New Zealand following a 1974 review of New Zealand's honour system. 1939-1945 Star This star is a campaign medal of the British Commonwealth awarded for service during the Second World War. It was put in place on July 8, 1943, and was awarded for specific periods of military service between September 3, 1939, and either May 8, 1945, in Europe or September 2, 1945, in the far east. Those in the Navy had to spent 180 at sea to be awarded the medal. Atlantic Star In May 1945, Prince Philip was awarded the military campaign medal the Atlantic star. It was for service during the Battle of the Atlantic - World War II's longest campaign. Africa Star Prince Philip was awarded the Africa Star on July 8, 1943, for service in Africa during the Second World War. The medal was awarded to those who served in North Africa between June 10, 1940, and May 12, 1943. Burma Star (with Pacific Rosette) In May 1945, he was awarded the Burma Star for service in the Burma Campaign in the Second World War. The Burma Star awards British and Commonwealth forces who served in the Burma Campaign from 1941 to 1945. He also wore the Pacific clasp on the Star for his service in the Pacific. Philip was the First Lieutenant of the destroyer HMS Whelp and was present in Tokyo Bay when the Japanese signed the surrender agreement with Allied forces

Philip’s medals include the following. Queen’s Service Order, New Zealand On November 15, 1981, Prince Philip was awarded the Queen’s Service Order by the Government of New Zealand for service to the country. The flower-shaped medal is the first worn on Prince Philip’s chest. The order was established on March 13, 1975, and is used to recognise ‘valuable voluntary service to the community or meritorious and faithful services to the Crown or similar services within the public sector, whether in elected or appointed office’. The order replaced the Imperial Service Order in New Zealand following a 1974 review of New Zealand’s honour system. 1939-1945 Star This star is a campaign medal of the British Commonwealth awarded for service during the Second World War. It was put in place on July 8, 1943, and was awarded for specific periods of military service between September 3, 1939, and either May 8, 1945, in Europe or September 2, 1945, in the far east. Those in the Navy had to spent 180 at sea to be awarded the medal. Atlantic Star In May 1945, Prince Philip was awarded the military campaign medal the Atlantic star. It was for service during the Battle of the Atlantic – World War II’s longest campaign. Africa Star Prince Philip was awarded the Africa Star on July 8, 1943, for service in Africa during the Second World War. The medal was awarded to those who served in North Africa between June 10, 1940, and May 12, 1943. Burma Star (with Pacific Rosette) In May 1945, he was awarded the Burma Star for service in the Burma Campaign in the Second World War. The Burma Star awards British and Commonwealth forces who served in the Burma Campaign from 1941 to 1945. He also wore the Pacific clasp on the Star for his service in the Pacific. Philip was the First Lieutenant of the destroyer HMS Whelp and was present in Tokyo Bay when the Japanese signed the surrender agreement with Allied forces 

Cushions with Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh's insignia on sewn in place in St James's Palace

Cushions with Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh’s insignia on sewn in place in St James’s Palace

The medals and decorations were conferred on Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, by the United Kingdom and other countries across the world during his incredible life

The medals and decorations were conferred on Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, by the United Kingdom and other countries across the world during his incredible life

A close-up view of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh's British Empire Breast Star and Badge and the British Empire Collar

A close-up view of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh’s British Empire Breast Star and Badge and the British Empire Collar

The Garter Collar and Greater George, and the Garter Breast Star and Lesser George sewn onto a cushion in St James's Palace, London

The Garter Collar and Greater George, and the Garter Breast Star and Lesser George sewn onto a cushion in St James’s Palace, London

The British Empire Collar and Grand Masters Badge, and the British Empire Breast Star and Badge sewn onto a cushion in St James's Palace

The British Empire Collar and Grand Masters Badge, and the British Empire Breast Star and Badge sewn onto a cushion in St James’s Palace

Diane Hatcher, a seamstress at Cleave Court Jewellers, sews medals and decorations onto cushions in St James's Palace following the death of Prince Philip

Diane Hatcher, a seamstress at Cleave Court Jewellers, sews medals and decorations onto cushions in St James’s Palace following the death of Prince Philip

Prince Philip’s extensive list of badges, collars and batons

– British Empire Breast Star and Badge

– The British Empire Collar 

– The Garter Collar and Greater George

– Garter Breast Star and Lesser George

– The British Empire Collar and Grand Masters Badge

– The British Empire Breast Star and Badge

– The British Empire Collar and Grand Masters Badge

– The British Empire Breast Star and Badge

– The Royal Victorian Order Collar and Badge

– The Royal Victorian Order Breast Star and Badge  

– The Order of Merit

– The Royal Victorian Chain

– RAF Wings  

– RAF Field Marshal’s Baton

– The Order of Australian Knight

– The Order of New Zealand, 

-The order of Canada

– The Canada Order of Military Merit

– The Papua New Guinea Order of Logohu 

– The Zanzibar Brilliant Star of Zanzibar

– The Brunei Esteemed Family Order

– The Singapore Order of Darjah Utama Temasek 

– The Thistle Collar and St Andrew Badge

– The Thistle Breast Star and Badge 

The duke wanted the call to echo around the vast 15th century St George’s Chapel as his family gathered for his ceremonial royal farewell on Saturday.

A Palace spokesman said: ‘I think it just goes to show the level of detail that the duke went into around his own funeral service.

Naval warcry ‘Action Stations’ to be played at Prince Philip’s funeral

Action Stations, sounded on naval warships to signal all hands must go to battle stations, will be played at the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral at Philip’s specific request.

Buglers of the Royal Marines will perform the wartime alert, a tradition sometimes associated with naval funerals, in honour of Philip’s active service in the Royal Navy during the Second World War.

The Last Post will also be played to signify ‘a soldier has gone to his final rest’.

A senior Palace official said: ‘Action Stations is a naval tradition and it is an announcement that would be made on a naval warship to signify that all hands, all those serving, on that warship should go into battle stations.’

The duke wanted the call to echo around the vast 15th century St George’s Chapel as his family gathered for his ceremonial royal farewell on Saturday.

A Palace spokesman said: ‘I think it just goes to show the level of detail that the duke went into around his own funeral service.

‘It is a fitting testimony to remind many people who might not realise that the duke saw active service in the Second World War aboard a ship in the Royal Navy.’

The official added: ‘The Last Post bugle call signifies the end of the day’s activities, or, on this occasion, that a soldier has gone to his final rest.’

Prince Philip joined the Royal Navy aged 17 and served on HMS Valiant during the Second World War – earning a mention in despatches for his ‘bravery and enterprise’ during a sea battle with the Italian fleet. 

 

‘It is a fitting testimony to remind many people who might not realise that the duke saw active service in the Second World War aboard a ship in the Royal Navy.’

The official added: ‘The Last Post bugle call signifies the end of the day’s activities, or, on this occasion, that a soldier has gone to his final rest.’

It is just one part of the day showing the incredible planning the Duke put into the poignant day. 

Philip also personally selected the regalia that will be on the altar for his funeral and give an insight into the thinking of the Royal and what mattered to him.

His chosen insignia, the medals and decorations conferred on him by the UK and Commonwealth countries – together with his Royal Air Force wings and Field Marshal’s baton, will be pre-positioned on nine cushions on the altar in St George’s Chapel. 

Prince Philip received his Royal Air Force wings in 1953 and qualified on 59 different aeroplanes and helicopters and had nearly 6,000 hours at the controls. 

He also held the rank of Marshal of the Royal Air Force and until recently Air Commodore-in-Chief of the Air Training Corps.

His position as Marshal meant he was awarded a field marshal’s baton – a ceremonial item used to signify a person as a being a Field Marshal.

The duke also included insignia from Denmark and Greece – Order of the Elephant and Order of the Redeemer respectively – in a nod to his birth heritage as a Prince of Greece and Denmark.

Insignia, orders, decorations and medals are a way of a country saying thank you and recognising someone’s achievements.

Stephen Segrave, Secretary of the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood, said: ‘There will be nine cushions with insignia placed on pre-positioned around the altar at St George’s Chapel in Windsor.

‘They represent British and Commonwealth orders and decorations, and the final cushion with orders from Greece and Denmark, for obvious reasons.

‘The Duke of Edinburgh had, I think, 61 decorations and awards from 53 different other countries, and there simply just wasn’t the space to have them all on display at the funeral.’

Asked how it was decided what would go on display, Mr Segrave said: ‘I think if you have to draw the line somewhere, the line was drawn at Commonwealth orders and decorations, and those two countries that are appropriate to the Duke of Edinburgh.

‘And he certainly had a hand in planning his arrangements, so he would have made the decision himself.’

Mr Segrave said the chosen insignia would have ‘absolutely’ meant a great deal to Philip. 

The Royal Victorian Order Collar and Badge, and the Royal Victorian Order Breast Star and Badge onto a cushion in St James's Palace

The Royal Victorian Order Collar and Badge, and the Royal Victorian Order Breast Star and Badge onto a cushion in St James’s Palace

The Order of Merit, the Royal Victorian Chain, and Full Size Medal Group, sewn onto a cushion in St James's Palace

The Order of Merit, the Royal Victorian Chain, and Full Size Medal Group, sewn onto a cushion in St James’s Palace

RAF Wings and Field Marshal's Baton, fitted to him by the Queen in 1953, sewn onto a cushion in St James's Palace

RAF Wings and Field Marshal’s Baton, fitted to him by the Queen in 1953, sewn onto a cushion in St James’s Palace

The Order of Australian Knight, the Order of New Zealand, the order of Canada, the Canada Order of Military Merit, and the Papua New Guinea Order of Logohu

The Order of Australian Knight, the Order of New Zealand, the order of Canada, the Canada Order of Military Merit, and the Papua New Guinea Order of Logohu

The Zanzibar Brilliant Star of Zanzibar, the Brunei Esteemed Family Order, and the Singapore Order of Darjah Utama Temasek

The Zanzibar Brilliant Star of Zanzibar, the Brunei Esteemed Family Order, and the Singapore Order of Darjah Utama Temasek

The Thistle Collar and St Andrew Badge, and the Thistle Breast Star and Badge sewn onto a cushion in St James's Palace, London

The Thistle Collar and St Andrew Badge, and the Thistle Breast Star and Badge sewn onto a cushion in St James’s Palace, London

A maximum of 30 people can attend the funeral because of coronavirus restrictions

A maximum of 30 people can attend the funeral because of coronavirus restrictions

The bugler leading The Last Post at the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral, Sergeant Jamie Ritchie

The bugler leading The Last Post at the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral, Sergeant Jamie Ritchie

Diane Hatcher, a seamstress at Cleave Court Jewellers, sews medals and decorations conferred on Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, ahead of his funeral on Saturday

Diane Hatcher, a seamstress at Cleave Court Jewellers, sews medals and decorations conferred on Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, ahead of his funeral on Saturday

The Duke of Edinburgh's RAF Wings sewn onto a cushion in St James's Palace, London

The Duke of Edinburgh’s RAF Wings sewn onto a cushion in St James’s Palace, London

Cushions with the Duke of Edinburgh's insignia sewn into place in St James's Palace, London

Cushions with the Duke of Edinburgh’s insignia sewn into place in St James’s Palace, London

The Duke’s medals 

Queen’s Service Order, New Zealand 

1939-1945 Star

Atlantic Star

Africa Star

Burma Star

Italy Star

War Medal 1939-1945

King George VI Coronation Medal

Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal

Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal

Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal

Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal

Royal Navy Long Service & Good Conduct 

Canadian Forces Decoration

New Zealand Commemoration Medal

Malta George Cross 50th Anniversary Medal

The plans for Philip’s funeral – codenamed Forth Bridge – have been in place for many years, and were updated and reviewed regularly by Buckingham Palace staff in consultation with the Queen and the duke.

The insignia are sewn in place on the cushions with fishing wire as it is see-through and therefore tends not to show up in the way coloured thread would.

The regalia was sewn on to the cushions at St James’s Palace by two seamstresses, including Diane Hatcher from Cleave Court Jewellers, earlier this week.  

Among the chosen pieces are the Order of the Garter which consists of a collar made out of 22 carat gold, a badge with Saint George slaying the dragon known as the greater George, a sash with a badge called the lesser George, a breast star with the motto of the order, ‘Honi soit qui mal y pense’, which translates as ‘Evil to him who evil thinks’, and the garter itself.

Others include the Royal Victorian Order collar and badge, British Empire collar and Grand Masters badge, Royal Victorian Chain and Order of Merit.

The Order of Merit is restricted to 24 members and is awarded in recognition of outstanding service in the Armed Forces, science, literature, art and the promotion of culture. 

One particular cushion has the Field Marshal’s baton – the most senior appointment in the British Army – next to Philip’s RAF wings.

A qualified pilot, the duke gained his RAF wings in 1953, helicopter wings in 1956 and private pilot’s licence in 1959.

Insignia on display from across the Commonwealth will include the Order of Australian Knight, Order of New Zealand, Order of Canada, Canada Order of Military Merit, Papua New Guinea Order of Logohu, Zanzibar Brilliant Star of Zanzibar, Brunei Esteemed Family Order, and Singapore Order of Darjah Utama Temasek. 

The Duke of Edinburgh's funeral will reflect all of his achievements and Armed Forces ties

The Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral will reflect all of his achievements and Armed Forces ties

His work on the bespoke Land Rover Defender TD5 130 chassis cab begun in 2003, the year he turned 82, and was finished aged 98 in 2019

His work on the bespoke Land Rover Defender TD5 130 chassis cab begun in 2003, the year he turned 82, and was finished aged 98 in 2019

Two days before his funeral, the custom-made Land Rover designed by the Duke is unveiled

Two days before his funeral, the custom-made Land Rover designed by the Duke is unveiled

The open top rear has been modified to fit his coffin and equipped with special rubber grips on silver pins - known as the 'stops' - to keep it secure while it makes the journey through Windsor to St George's Chapel

The open top rear has been modified to fit his coffin and equipped with special rubber grips on silver pins – known as the ‘stops’ – to keep it secure while it makes the journey through Windsor to St George’s Chapel

Two days before his funeral on Saturday, the custom-made Land Rover designed by the Duke has also been unveiled for the first time.

His work on the bespoke Land Rover Defender TD5 130 chassis cab begun in 2003, the year he turned 82, and was finished aged 98 in 2019.

Prince Philip’s family 

Born a Prince of Greece and Denmark, Philip was the fifth child and only son of Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and his wife, Princess Alice of Battenberg. He survived his sisters: 

  • Princess Margarita (1905-1981)
  • Princess Theodora (1906–1969)
  • Princess Cecilie (1911- 1937)
  • Princess Sophie (1914-2001)

The open top rear has been modified to fit his coffin and equipped with special rubber grips on silver pins – known as the ‘stops’ – to keep it secure while it makes the journey through Windsor to St George’s Chapel.  

A military man to his core, Philip also requested the original Belize Green paintwork was changed to Dark Bronze Green like those used by the armed forces. 

The duke was mentioned in despatches for his service during the war.

He was a midshipman aboard HMS Valiant off the southern coast of Greece when he earned his honourable citation.

A young naval officer, he was praised for his actions in the decisive Battle of Cape Matapan against the Italian fleet in March 1941.

Philip had been in control of the searchlights as the ship battled an Italian cruiser when he spotted an unexpected second enemy vessel nearby.

At the age of 21, Philip was one of the youngest officers in the Royal Navy to be made First Lieutenant and second-in-command of a ship, the destroyer escort HMS Wallace of the Rosyth Escort Force.

In July 1943, Wallace was dispatched to the Mediterranean and provided cover for the Canadian beachhead of the Allied landings in Sicily.

Philip also served as First Lieutenant on the destroyer HMS Whelp in the Pacific, where he helped to rescue two airmen in 1945.

Had the duke not married Princess Elizabeth, some believe he would have been First Sea Lord, the professional head of the Royal Navy.

He once spoke of his fascination with the sea in a rare interview in 1998 to mark his 50 years as trustee of the National Maritime Museum.

Referring to it as ‘an extraordinary master or mistress’, he declared: ‘It has such extraordinary moods that sometimes you feel this is the only sort of life and 10 minutes later you’re praying for death.’

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