World
Prince Philip laid to rest after Covid-compliant funeral
London: The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, has been laid to rest in the catacombs below St. George's chapel after his funeral was held in the church.
The Royal family maintained social distancing while following Covid related SOPs, including wearing masks throughout the proceedings. The Queen sat alone on one side of the pews while other members maintained family bubbles.
The Duke's children walked behind his coffin as it was carried from Windsor Castle to the Chapel, with Princess Royal, Anne and Prince of Wales, Charles, in the lead. They were followed by other members of the family, including Princes Harry and William, who did not walk shoulder to shoulder as they did together at Princess Diana's funeral. A total of 30 people attended the funeral, in keeping with the government's regulations.
Outside the chapel, more than 730 members of the armed forces participated in the funeral, while the public was kept away. Prince Philip, who died the previous Friday at age 99, had supervised the arrangements of the funeral himself, including modifying the Land Rover which carried his coffin. The Duke's coffin was draped by a flag of his royal standard, and then topped by his cap, his sword and a wreath of flowers. At the end of the procession was Queen Elizabeth, in a state Bentley, accompanied by one of her loyal lady in waiting.
No planes took off or landed at Heathrow for six minutes, while a minute of silence was observed throughout the United Kingdom.