Philip's Farewell Showed Britain At Its Very Best

In it's poignant grandeur and majestic solemnity, the funeral of Prince Philip was a wonderful advertisement for both monarchy and country. From the beautiful choral music to the magnificent discipline of the Armed Forces, this was a spectacle of the highest possible order. A life well lived was honoured by a ceremony carried out to perfection.

- Leo McKinstry

Paradoxically, the sense of simplicity imposed by Covid regulations may have enhanced the mood of dignity at St George’s Chapel. There were no grinning politicians, no “celebrities”. Neither was there any clapping from the congregation, nor light-hearted eulogy.

Without such distractions, each element in the service – carefully chosen by the Prince himself – was able to convey its transcendent power.

Too often in our secular age, the Anglican Church undermines its role through an addiction to progressive politics. But, thanks to Prince Philip’s guidance, the ceremony provided a moving example of the Christian faith’s capacity to provide comfort and inspiration.

The military also gave a deeply impressive performance on Saturday, as befitted a farewell to a wartime hero who had a distinguished career in the Royal Navy.

ALL PLAYED their parts, including the Band of the Grenadier Guards at the head of the procession, the Royal Marine buglers in the chapel, the bearers’ parties who carried the heavy, lead-lined coffin, and the driver from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers who expertly handled the Prince’s customised Land Rover hearse.