The casket, decorated with the late royal's personal standard, his naval cap and sword and a wreath of flowers, has been transported by a bearer party from the chapel to the inner hall.
- Apr 17, 2021
AceShowbiz - Prince Philip's coffin was moved from Windsor Castle's private chapel ahead of his funeral on Saturday, April 17 afternoon.
The casket, decorated with the late royal's personal standard, his naval cap and sword, and a wreath of flowers, was transported by a bearer party, from the Queen's Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, from the chapel to the inner hall at 11 A.M. BST.
Philip had served as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards for 42 years.
The memorial service - which, in keeping with his wishes, will not feature a sermon - is set to reflect Philip's love of the sea.
Quoting Ecclesiasticus, The Dean of Windsor says, "Those who sail the sea tell stories of its dangers, which astonish all who hear them; in it are strange and wonderful creatures, all kinds of living things and huge sea monsters."
And an order of service has confirmed Philip's "service to the Nation and the Commonwealth," as well as his "kindness, humour and humanity," will be celebrated during the funeral.
The blessing reads, "We are here today in St George's Chapel to commit into the hands of God the soul of his servant Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. With grateful hearts, we remember the many ways in which his long life has been a blessing to us."
"We have been inspired by his unwavering loyalty to our Queen, by his service to the Nation and the Commonwealth, by his courage, fortitude and faith. Our lives have been enriched through the challenges that he has set us, the encouragement that he has given us, his kindness, humour and humanity."
"We therefore pray that God will give us grace to follow his example, and that, with our brother Philip, at the last, we shall know the joys of life eternal."
Prince Philip had chosen the Victorian hymn "Eternal Father, Strong to Save" to be sung at his funeral.
The late Duke will be honored at a private memorial at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, which begins at 3 P.M. BST.
All 30 guests will be required to wear face masks and sit in socially-distanced seats at the scaled-back ceremony, with Queen Elizabeth II due to sit alone at her husband's service.
Prince Harry, Philip's grandson, has returned to Britain from the U.S. for the occasion, while his pregnant wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex remains in America.
