Notes on a Royal Funeral

This afternoon Prince Philip’s funeral took place at Windsor. James, Ally, Cat and I watched it together. Because of the Covid restrictions there were only 30 attendees allowed, the same rules as for the rest of the population, and they were mainly his children and grandchildren, and of course the Queen. Socially distanced military bands played music in the courtyard of the castle until the coffin was carried out to the specially converted green Landrover which carried the Duke of Edinburgh on his short last journey to St George’s Chapel. Of course when he designed the changes to the Landrover, (yes, he designed his own hearse!) the Duke will have anticipated a longer journey, perhaps from London. But he and the Queen spent lockdown in Windsor and that’s where he died. Nine senior Royals walked behind the coffin, led by Prince Charles and Princess Anne. Prince Harry had arrived back from his new life in America and walked in the same row as Prince William, but with Peter Phillips walking between them; rumour has it that the two brothers have not been on good terms since Prince Harry left his royal duties for a new life abroad. The family sat separately in the chapel, wearing masks, singly or in small groups, just like we did at John Leslie’s funeral a few weeks ago. This meant that the Queen sat by herself, and she did look very alone. The service was traditional and straightforward, and, like the hearse, had been planned by the Duke, who didn’t want a eulogy or a sermon. There were quite a few references to his Naval career, such as the hymn “Eternal Father, Strong to Save” and the battle call for action stations being sounded. At the end of the service the Queen got into a car to go back to the castle, but when the rest of the Royals came out, Prince Charles waved the waiting cars away and the family all walked back in the sunshine. Harry and William were chatting together as they went, after Catherine appeared to break the ice by talking to Harry, which was encouraging to see. It was a good send off for Prince Philip. 

The weather was beautiful here too, and this evening we had our first barbecue of 2021 with Ally, Cat and their friend Iain. The cats were very interested in our outdoors dining and joined us on the patio. Flora climbed up one of the pear trees in pursuit of a magpie, who was screeching at her angrily. Ally joined her by climbing up the tree as well in a show of support! The barbecue went really well and Ally and Cat made bananas with chocolate flakes inside for dessert. It’s still early in barbecue season however, and as the sun got lower James and I retreated to the warmth of the house, leaving the young ones to continue their evening beside the fire pit.