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Prince Philip funeral: Queen leads mourners at Windsor Castle as Duke of Edinburgh laid to rest

Watch: Mourners gather in Windsor for Prince Philip's funeral despite coronavirus restrictions

The Queen sat alone as she led a small number of mourners in saying goodbye to Prince Philip in a funeral service shaped by the duke himself.

The Duke of Edinburgh's naval career permeated the service in St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle on Saturday afternoon, with references to the oceans and a hymn associated with seafarers.

Philip died on 9 April at the age of 99 in Windsor Castle.

The Queen followed the funeral procession through the grounds of the castle, joined in a state Bentley by a lady-in-waiting – the first time her husband has gone ahead of her in more than 60 years.

Behind the coffin, their children walked in pairs, first Prince Charles and Princess Anne and then Prince Edward and Prince Andrew.

Their grandsons, Prince William and Prince Harry, walked behind, with Peter Phillips in between.

Behind them were the Viscount Linley and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence. They did not wear masks during the procession, which was held outside.

Queen Elizabeth II takes her seat for the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, Berkshire. Picture date: Saturday April 17, 2021.
The Queen takes her seat for the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh. (PA Images)
Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales gestures during the ceremonial funeral procession of Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh to St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, west of London, on April 17, 2021. - Philip, who was married to Queen Elizabeth II for 73 years, died on April 9 aged 99 just weeks after a month-long stay in hospital for treatment to a heart condition and an infection. (Photo by LEON NEAL / POOL / AFP) (Photo by LEON NEAL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Prince Charles shed tears as he walked in the procession. (AFP via Getty Images)
WINDSOR, ENGLAND - APRIL 17: Queen Elizabeth II arrives for the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle on April 17, 2021 in Windsor, England. Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark was born 10 June 1921, in Greece. He served in the British Royal Navy and fought in WWII. He married the then Princess Elizabeth on 20 November 1947 and was created Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich by King VI. He served as Prince Consort to Queen Elizabeth II until his death on April 9 2021, months short of his 100th birthday. His funeral takes place today at Windsor Castle with only 30 guests invited due to Coronavirus pandemic restrictions. (Photo by Leon Neal/WPA Pool/Getty Images  )
The Queen seen for the first time since her husband's death. (WPA Pool/Getty Images)
WINDSOR, ENGLAND - APRIL 17: Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Peter Phillips, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Earl of Snowdon David Armstrong-Jones and Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence follow Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh's coffin during the Ceremonial Procession  during the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle on April 17, 2021 in Windsor, England. Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark was born 10 June 1921, in Greece. He served in the British Royal Navy and fought in WWII. He married the then Princess Elizabeth on 20 November 1947 and was created Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich by King VI. He served as Prince Consort to Queen Elizabeth II until his death on April 9 2021, months short of his 100th birthday. His funeral takes place today at Windsor Castle with only 30 guests invited due to Coronavirus pandemic restrictions. (Photo by Alastair Grant/WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Princess Anne, Prince Charles, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, Prince William, Peter Phillips, Prince Harry, Earl of Snowdon and Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence follow Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh's coffin. (WPA Pool/Getty Images)
WINDSOR, ENGLAND - APRIL 17: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Peter Phillips, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Princess Anne, Princess Royal during the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle on April 17, 2021 in Windsor, England. Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark was born 10 June 1921, in Greece. He served in the British Royal Navy and fought in WWII. He married the then Princess Elizabeth on 20 November 1947 and was created Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich by King VI. He served as Prince Consort to Queen Elizabeth II until his death on April 9 2021, months short of his 100th birthday. His funeral takes place today at Windsor Castle with only 30 guests invited due to Coronavirus pandemic restrictions. (Photo by Adrian Dennis/WPA Pool/Getty Images)
The Royal Family wore suits with their military medals. (WPA Pool/Getty Images)
The coffin of the duke on the Land Rover hearse he designed. (Adrian Dennis/AFP)
The coffin of the duke on the Land Rover hearse he designed. (AFP)
WINDSOR, ENGLAND - APRIL 17: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge  during the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle on April 17, 2021 in Windsor, England. Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark was born 10 June 1921, in Greece. He served in the British Royal Navy and fought in WWII. He married the then Princess Elizabeth on 20 November 1947 and was created Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich by King VI. He served as Prince Consort to Queen Elizabeth II until his death on April 9 2021, months short of his 100th birthday. His funeral takes place today at Windsor Castle with only 30 guests invited due to Coronavirus pandemic restrictions. (Photo by Chris Jackson/WPA Pool/Getty Images)
The Duchess of Cambridge wore a face covering in line with COVID guidelines. (WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Britain's Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales sit during the funeral service of Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh inside St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, west of London, on April 17, 2021. - Philip, who was married to Queen Elizabeth II for 73 years, died on April 9 aged 99 just weeks after a month-long stay in hospital for treatment to a heart condition and an infection. (Photo by Dominic Lipinski / POOL / AFP) (Photo by DOMINIC LIPINSKI/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Charles and Camilla inside the quire of the chapel on Saturday. (AFP)
WINDSOR, ENGLAND - APRIL 17: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex  during the Ceremonial Procession during the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle on April 17, 2021 in Windsor, England. Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark was born 10 June 1921, in Greece. He served in the British Royal Navy and fought in WWII. He married the then Princess Elizabeth on 20 November 1947 and was created Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich by King VI. He served as Prince Consort to Queen Elizabeth II until his death on April 9 2021, months short of his 100th birthday. His funeral takes place today at Windsor Castle with only 30 guests invited due to Coronavirus pandemic restrictions. (Photo by Chris Jackson/WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Prince Harry looked sombre as he walked in the procession. (WPA Pool/Getty Images)
The Duchess of Cambridge (R) and members of the Royal Family outside St George's Chapel for the funeral service of Prince Philip. (Hannah McKay/AFP via Getty Images)
The Duchess of Cambridge, right, and members of the Royal Family outside St George's Chapel for the funeral service of Prince Philip. (AFP via Getty Images)
Britain's Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall arrives for the funeral service of Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh inside St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, west of London, on April 17, 2021. - Philip, who was married to Queen Elizabeth II for 73 years, died on April 9 aged 99 just weeks after a month-long stay in hospital for treatment to a heart condition and an infection. (Photo by HANNAH MCKAY / POOL / AFP) (Photo by HANNAH MCKAY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall arriving for the funeral service at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. (AFP)
Britain's Sophie, Countess of Wessex arrives for the funeral service of Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh inside St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, west of London, on April 17, 2021. - Philip, who was married to Queen Elizabeth II for 73 years, died on April 9 aged 99 just weeks after a month-long stay in hospital for treatment to a heart condition and an infection. (Photo by HANNAH MCKAY / POOL / AFP) (Photo by HANNAH MCKAY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Sophie, Countess of Wessex arrived in black and wearing a face covering. (AFP)
Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrives for the funeral service of Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh inside St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, west of London, on April 17, 2021. - Philip, who was married to Queen Elizabeth II for 73 years, died on April 9 aged 99 just weeks after a month-long stay in hospital for treatment to a heart condition and an infection. (Photo by HANNAH MCKAY / POOL / AFP) (Photo by HANNAH MCKAY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
The Duchess of Cambridge arrived without her husband. (AFP)
Britain's Princess Eugenie of York arrives for the ceremonial funeral procession of Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh to St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, west of London, on April 17, 2021. - Philip, who was married to Queen Elizabeth II for 73 years, died on April 9 aged 99 just weeks after a month-long stay in hospital for treatment to a heart condition and an infection. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / POOL / AFP) (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Princess Eugenie outside the chapel. (AFP)
WINDSOR, ENGLAND - APRIL 17: Lady Louise Windsor arrives for the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle on April 17, 2021 in Windsor, England. Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark was born 10 June 1921, in Greece. He served in the British Royal Navy and fought in WWII. He married the then Princess Elizabeth on 20 November 1947 and was created Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich by King VI. He served as Prince Consort to Queen Elizabeth II until his death on April 9 2021, months short of his 100th birthday. His funeral takes place today at Windsor Castle with only 30 guests invited due to Coronavirus pandemic restrictions. (Photo by Hannah McKay/WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Lady Louise Windsor, the duke's youngest granddaughter, arriving for the funeral of Prince Philip. (WPA Pool/Getty Images)
WINDSOR, ENGLAND - APRIL 17: Princess Beatrice arrives for the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle on April 17, 2021 in Windsor, England. Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark was born 10 June 1921, in Greece. He served in the British Royal Navy and fought in WWII. He married the then Princess Elizabeth on 20 November 1947 and was created Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich by King VI. He served as Prince Consort to Queen Elizabeth II until his death on April 9 2021, months short of his 100th birthday. His funeral takes place today at Windsor Castle with only 30 guests invited due to Coronavirus pandemic restrictions. (Photo by Hannah McKay/WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Princess Beatrice outside the chapel. She is attended with husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. (WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Members of the Royal Family, including Prince Charles, Prince William and his wife Kate, and Mike and Zara Tindall, were seen arriving around lunchtime on Saturday.

Countess Mountbatten of Burma, Penny Knatchbull travelled to Windsor on Saturday; she was the only friend of the duke to be able to attend the slimmed down service.

Harry's wife Meghan Markle was confirmed to be watching proceedings from the US, where the couple now lives with their son Archie, who turns two next month.

Philip's favourite driving carriage was pulled by two of his ponies, Balmoral Nevis and Notlaw Storm, to stand in the Quadrangle of the castle as the procession passed by. He took up carriage driving in the 1970s and continued the sport well into his 90s.

The red container on the duke’s carriage seen next to his cap, whip and gloves, was the sugar lump pot, from which Philip used to give his ponies sugar lumps after carriage driving.

The hearse, a custom designed Land Rover, was driven through the Quadrangle as military bands played just before 2.29pm, ready to collect the coffin, with military precision of timing kept throughout.

The coffin was draped in Philip's standard and topped with a wreath of lilies and roses, chosen by the Queen. On top of it was his sword and his Naval cap.

Queen Elizabeth II takes her seat in St George's Chapel, at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, forthe funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh. Picture date: Saturday April 17, 2021.
Queen Elizabeth II takes her seat in St George's Chapel, at Windsor Castle. (PA Images)
Queen Elizabeth II watches as pallbearers carry the coffin of the Duke of Edinburgh during his funeral at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, Berkshire. Picture date: Saturday April 17, 2021.
The Queen watches as pallbearers carry the coffin of the Duke of Edinburgh. (PA Images)
The Duke of Edinburgh's driving carriage arrives in the Quadrangle ahead of the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh in Windsor Castle, Berkshire. Picture date: Saturday April 17, 2021.
The Duke of Edinburgh's driving carriage in the Quadrangle. (PA Images)
Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrive for the funeral service of Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in Windsor Castle in Windsor, west of London, on April 17, 2021. - Philip, who was married to Queen Elizabeth II for 73 years, died on April 9 aged 99 just weeks after a month-long stay in hospital for treatment to a heart condition and an infection. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / POOL / AFP) (Photo by GLYN KIRK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive for the funeral. (AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales arrives to attend the funeral service of his father, Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in Windsor Castle in Windsor, west of London, on April 17, 2021. - Philip, who was married to Queen Elizabeth II for 73 years, died on April 9 aged 99 just weeks after a month-long stay in hospital for treatment to a heart condition and an infection. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Prince Charles arrives to attend the funeral service of his father Philip. (AFP)
Mike Tindall and Zara Phillips arrive for the funeral service of Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in Windsor Castle in Windsor, west of London, on April 17, 2021. - Philip, who was married to Queen Elizabeth II for 73 years, died on April 9 aged 99 just weeks after a month-long stay in hospital for treatment to a heart condition and an infection. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Mike and Zara Tindall – Princess Anne's daughter – arrive for the funeral. (AFP)
Penny Brabourne, Countess Mountbatten of Burma arrives for the funeral service of Britain's Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in Windsor Castle in Windsor, west of London, on April 17, 2021. - Philip, who was married to Queen Elizabeth II for 73 years, died on April 9 aged 99 just weeks after a month-long stay in hospital for treatment to a heart condition and an infection. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Penny Brabourne, Countess Mountbatten of Burma is the only friend of the duke who is attending. (AFP)

Philip's funeral began with a nationwide one minute's silence at 3pm before the coffin was taken into the quire for the service, led by the Dean of Windsor and the Archbishop of Canterbury.

People in Windsor, and around the country, fell silent with the Royal Family at 3pm. The minute began with a round fired by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, and was ended the same way at Windsor.

There were no readings or eulogies from the Royal Family, in line with other royal funerals. The service was led by the Dean of Windsor, with the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Members of the British Royal Family and the duke's German family, paid tribute to him in the hours before the funeral.

His great-niece Princess Xania, whose brother Prince Phillipp was one of the 30 mourners at the ceremony, said: "To all of us, he was an idol, he was somebody to look up to, we had enormous respect for him and it was always very exciting when he came to visit, and he came often."

Mike Tindall, the husband of Zara, one of the duke's granddaughters, called him a "devoted family man who we will forever miss but always love".

The ceremony, which included many traditional elements of a Church of England funeral as well as several of his own requests, honoured the duke's "unwavering loyalty" to the Queen and the courage, fortitude and faith".

There were several readings but no sermon, in line with his wishes.

Watch: Prince Philip's funeral: How the day unfolded

Members of the Household Cavalry outside St George's Chapel, where the duke's funeral will be held. (Kirsty Wigglesworth/WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Members of the Household Cavalry outside St George's Chapel, where the duke's funeral will be held. (Getty Images)
WINDSOR, ENGLAND - APRIL 17: Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery make their way up The Long Walk towards Windsor Castle ahead of the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh on April 17, 2021 in Windsor, England. Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark was born 10 June 1921, in Greece. He served in the British Royal Navy and fought in WWII. He married the then Princess Elizabeth on 20 November 1947 and was created Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich by King VI. He served as Prince Consort to Queen Elizabeth II until his death on April 9 2021, months short of his 100th birthday. His funeral takes place today at Windsor Castle with only 30 guests invited due to Coronavirus pandemic restrictions. (Photo by Phil Noble/WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery make their way up The Long Walk towards Windsor Castle ahead of the funeral of Prince Philip. (Getty Images)
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby enters St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, Berkshire, prior to the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh. Picture date: Saturday April 17, 2021.
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby enters St George's Chapel ahead of the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral. (PA)
WINDSOR, ENGLAND - APRIL 17: The insignia belonging to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh is placed on the altar at St George's Chapel ahead of the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh on April 17, 2021 in Windsor, England. Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark was born 10 June 1921, in Greece. He served in the British Royal Navy and fought in WWII. He married the then Princess Elizabeth on 20 November 1947 and was created Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich by King VI. He served as Prince Consort to Queen Elizabeth II until his death on April 9 2021, months short of his 100th birthday. His funeral takes place today at Windsor Castle with only 30 guests invited due to Coronavirus pandemic restrictions. (Photo by Steve Parsons - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
The insignia belonging to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh on the altar at St George's Chapel. (Getty Images)

Read more: No eulogy or reading from Royal Family during Prince Philip's funeral

After the service, the Queen exchanged a few words with the Dean of Windsor, before getting back into the car which brought her there with her lady-in-waiting.

But rather than drive away themselves, Charles led the other members of the Royal Family in a walk up the hill toward the state apartments of Windsor Castle.

It gave Princes Harry and William a moment to speak to one another, and they were seen exchanging a few words as they walked together.

The service was Prince Harry's first trip back to the UK since March 2020, when he and Meghan relocated to the US after deciding to step back from their senior royal duties.

It was also the first engagement for Prince Andrew, who is still stepped back from his duties, after a disastrous interview with BBC Newsnight in November 2019 about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.