Final details of the Ceremonial Royal Funeral for Prince Philip have been made public and it has emerged that Princes William and Harry will not walk side by side in the procession as they did at Lady Diana’s funeral - they will be separated by their cousin Peter Phillips.
While this news is likely to fuel speculation that the rift between the two brothers is nowhere near being resolved, the royal family has issued a statement stating succinctly, "This is a funeral and we are not going to be drawn into perceptions of drama."
Coverage of the proceedings will begin on BBC World News( DSTV 400) from 1.30 pm Saturday 17 and on CNN (DSTV 401) from 2 pm.
Due to the current public health guidelines, some elements of the funeral plan have been modified, although the day will still be very much in line with His Royal Highness’s wishes.
On Saturday 17 April at 2:40 pm (British time), the coffin will emerge from the State Entrance of Windsor Castle into the Quadrangle, followed by the members of the Royal Family who will be walking in the procession. All those in the Quadrangle will give the coffin a Royal Salute before the coffin is placed onto the Land Rover.
This is a touching tribute to the Prince who modified the land rover over a period of 16 years. The ‘hearse’ includes his own design of an open-top rear and special "stops" to secure his coffin in place.
The modified Land Rover Defender TD5 130 chassis cab vehicle was unveiled for the first time, two days before the duke's final farewell.(Pictured below)
The Queen will depart from the Sovereign’s Entrance in the State Bentley.
The members of the Royal Family who will follow on foot behind the coffin are:
The Princess Royal The Prince of Wales
The Earl of Wessex and Forfar The Duke of York
The Duke of Sussex Mr. Peter Phillips The Duke of Cambridge
Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Laurence The Earl of Snowdon
The National Anthem will play as the coffin arrives at Horseshoe Cloister, to met by representatives from the Commonwealth and a Dismounted Detachment of the Household Cavalry.
The Bearer Party will carry the coffin up the West Steps of the Chapel before pausing for a National Minute Silence at 3 pm. (4pm South African time )The Dean of Windsor and the Archbishop of Canterbury will then receive the coffin.
The congregation will wear masks for the Service and Members of the Royal Family will wear Day Dress or Morning Coat with medals.
The Funeral Service will be conducted by the Dean of Windsor and is expected to last for approximately 50 minutes.
At the conclusion of the Service, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Coffin will be lowered into the Royal Vault. The Archbishop of Canterbury will pronounce the Blessing and the National Anthem will be sung by the Choir.
Her Majesty The Queen, members of the Royal Family, and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Family will then depart the Chapel via Galilee Porch.
