The Queen has emerged from Windsor Castle to lead the royal family in mourning at the funeral of her beloved husband, the Duke of Edinburgh.
Dressed in a face mask and in sombre black, it was the first time the monarch, grieving for her devoted companion of 73 years, has been officially seen in public since Philip died eight days ago.
Accompanied by her loyal lady-in-waiting Lady Susan Hussey, the Queen made her way from the Sovereign’s Entrance in the State Bentley, as the national anthem was played, to join part of the solemn funeral procession.
(PA Graphics)
Philip’s coffin, draped in his striking 12ft personal standard and decorated with a wreath of flowers specially chosen by the monarch, and his Admiral of the Fleet Naval Cap and sword, was ready and waiting.
The emotional touches, which were planned by the Duke of Edinburgh himself, were performed in front of his beloved wife the Queen, his children and grandchildren and members of the military.
Members of the royal family appeared dignified and reserved at the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral service, but showed glimpses of affection and emotion during the course of the day.
Dressed in morning suits and day dresses, but not uniform, Philip’s eldest children, the Prince of Wales and Princess Royal, looked straight ahead as they walked shoulder-to-shoulder behind Philip’s coffin.
They were followed by their brothers the Earl of Wessex and Duke of York, with equally sombre expressions.
At the Galilee Porch were other members of the royal family, wearing face masks, as they watched the coffin process through the grounds.
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Philip’s custom-built Land Rover Defender hearse, designed by the duke and modified over 16 years, has been driven into the castle’s quadrangle and has stopped outside the Equerries’ entrance.
The modified Jaguar Land Rover that will carry the coffin of the Duke of Edinburgh arrives for his funeral (Kirsty O’Connor/PA)
The Defender TD5 130 chassis cab vehicle was made at Land Rover’s factory in Solihull in 2003, the year he turned 82.
With its heavy-duty wheels and angular structure, the polished sturdy, utilitarian vehicle stands as a showcase for the duke’s practical nature and his passion for functional design and engineering.