Duke of Edinburgh funeral LIVE: Royal family start to arrive in Windsor for Prince Philip ceremony
MEMBERS of the royal family have begun arriving at Windsor castle for the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral service at 3pm.
Prince William, Kate Middleton and Prince Charles have arrived at St George's Chapel as they prepare to say a final farewell to Prince Philip.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were pictured being driven to the castle this morning from Kensington Palace.
Kate was dressed all in black with a netted veil covering her face mask. She is also wearing a stunning pearl necklace belonging to the Queen and drop earrings.
The necklace was also worn by Princess Diana in a touching nod to her late mother-in-law.
Meanwhile William looked sombre in a black suit and black tie, teamed with a face mask.
His dad Prince Charles was pictured in a Tesla arriving at Windsor Castle with wife Camilla.
Earlier today, the Duke's coffin was moved at 11am by a bearer party from the Queen's Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards to the royal residence's inner hall.
Prince Philip had a close association with the regiment serving as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards for 42 years.
The Duke's association with the Royal Navy and love of the sea will be a focus of the Windsor Castle ceremony – but in line with his wishes there will be no sermon.
More than 730 members of the armed forces are taking part in the event, but there is a limit of 30 mourners at St George's Chapel, under Covid rules.
The national anthem will then ring out as the Queen – joined by a Lady-in-Waiting – is taken in a Bentley to St George's Chapel.
She is expected to be sitting alone during the service but will pause at his coffin to bid her beloved husband of 73 years farewell as he is laid to rest.
The service itself will start after a national minute's silence at 3pm.
Read our Prince Philip funeral live blog below for the latest updates…
- Joseph Gamp
IN PICTURES: MEMBERS OF ROYAL FAMILY TRAVEL TO PRINCE PHILIP'S FUNERAL
Kate is wearing a necklace belonging to the Queen Charles wears a face mask as he heads to Windsor Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi arrive at Windsor - Joseph Gamp
'OVERWHELMING FEELING OF SADNESS' AS ARMED FORCES BID FAREWELL
Members of the armed forces will feel an "overwhelming feeling of sadness" on Saturday as they bid farewell to the Duke of Edinburgh.
Servicemen spoke fondly of the duke ahead of the funeral, praising him as an "absolutely amazing servant to this country".
The Chief of the Defence Staff also paid tribute to the duke, saying Saturday will be a "sombre moment" but also a "celebratory moment" of a life well-lived.
Philip enjoyed an active naval career between 1939 and 1951, and was a veteran of the Second World War.
His strong connection with the military will be on show during proceedings on Saturday, with detachments drawn from units which had a link with Philip to be positioned on the grass in the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle.
- Joseph Gamp
COUNTESS MOUNTBATTEN AND ZARA PHILIPS ARRIVE AT WINDSOR
Penny Brabourne, Countess Mountbatten of Burma has also been pictured arriving at Windsor for Prince Philip's funeral.
Zara Philips and Mike Tindall have also arrived.
- Joseph Gamp
POLICE HELD BACK CROWDS AS SOLDIERS ARRIVED AT WINDSOR CASTLE
Five coaches each carrying dozens of people in military uniforms have driven into the main entrance at Windsor Castle.
The large white vehicles drove in just after 12.30pm on Saturday.
Traffic on the high street was temporarily blocked off by police officers on motorbikes while pedestrians were halted by stewards.
Staff close to the castle had a difficult time ensuring pedestrians were keeping the pathways clear after the coaches had driven in.
- Joseph Gamp
ARMED FORCES LEANING INTO FUNERAL 'AS MUCH AS WE CAN'
Speaking of the planning that has gone into the funeral proceedings, Lieutenant-Colonel James Greaves said the Armed Forces have been "leaning into this as much as we can".
He said: "It's been really full tilt ahead ever since we heard of His Royal Highness's passing. We as a regiment, as the Grenadier Guards, we were straight away putting our bearer party front and centre, and just making sure that we were correctly prepared.
"Collectively we've been training at Pirbright, it's been socially distanced absolutely Covid-compliant, but clearly we have been leaning into this as much as we can."
- Joseph Gamp
HARRY AND WILLIAM REUNITED BEFORE DUKE'S FUNERAL
PRINCE William and Harry will be reunited before their grandfather's funeral as they meet for the first time in a year.
The Royal Family are set to gather together before they start the mournful procession behind Prince Philip's coffin this afternoon.
It is thought the brothers haven't spoken in person since Harry returned to the UK for the funeral.
But Harry reportedly made contact with Charles, William, Beatrice and Eugenie on the phone to "park any disputes".
Therefore the gathering in the State Entrance Hall before the Duke of Edinburgh's coffin is carried from the State Entrance will be the first time they come face to face.
- Joseph Gamp
PRINCE PHILIP FUNERAL: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
PRINCE Philip will make his final journey in a Land Rover hearse he designed himself to St George's chapel at Windsor castle this Saturday.
Prince Charles will lead the procession and will be met by 30 guests for the historic occasion.
In line with the Duke's wishes, he will be laid to rest in a ceremonial – rather than state – funeral.
Action Stations, sounded on naval warships to signal all hands must go to battle stations, will be played at the request of the Duke.
Buglers of the Royal Marines will perform the wartime alert, a tradition sometimes associated with naval funerals, in honour of Philip's active service in the Royal Navy during the Second World War.
Read more here.
- Joseph Gamp
ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY NOW AT ST GEORGE'S CHAPEL
The Archbishop of Canterbury is now at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, ahead of this afternoon's service.
The Most Rev Justin Welby will preside over the funeral alongside the Dean of Windsor.
They will receive the coffin after the minute's silence marking the start of the funeral.
- Joseph Gamp
LORD CHAMBERLAIN ARRIVES AT HALL WHERE DUKE'S COFFIN IS LYING
Baron Parker, who is the Lord Chamberlain – the most senior official in the Queen's household and in overall charge of the funeral, has moved to the inner hall where the duke's coffin is lying.
He has been joined by David Conner, the Dean of Windsor, who will conduct the service, and retired Admiral Sir James Francis Perowne, Constable and Governor of Windsor Castle.
- Joseph Gamp
PRINCE PHILLIP FUNERAL – THE GRENADIER GUARDS STAND READY AND THE DISMOUNTED HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY MARCH DOWN CHAPEL HILL
Prince Phillip funeral – The Grenadier Guards stand ready and The Dismounted Household Cavalry march down Chapel Hill
- Joseph Gamp
BRITAIN TO OBSERVE NATIONAL ONE MINUTE SILENCE AT 3PM IN HONOUR OF PHILIP
A national minute's silence will take place at 3pm before the 50-minute service honouring Philip's 70-plus years of duty to the Queen and country begins.
Buglers from the Royal Marines will sound Action Stations to reflect Philip's life-long association with the Royal Navy.
The song is played on a warship to signal all hands should go to battle stations and is sometimes featured at the funerals of naval men.
- Joseph Gamp
GRAPHIC: PRINCE PHILIP'S FUNERAL PROCESSION
- Joseph Gamp
HUNDREDS GATHER TO WATCH MOUNTED TROOPS RIDE TO WINDSOR CASTLE
Hundreds of people gathered in the midday sunshine to watch as the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery processed along the Long Walk in Windsor ahead of the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral.
Dozens of riders, wearing black, gold and red uniforms and carrying three guns, rode up to Cambridge Gate where tributes to the duke have been laid throughout the week.
Members of the regiment will fire guns from the east lawn of Windsor Castle as Philip's coffin is taken from the castle to the chapel on Saturday afternoon.
Crowds grew steadily throughout Saturday morning with members of the public arriving to pay their respects to the duke.
Some were seen wearing custom face masks bearing Philip's face.
- Joseph Gamp
WHO WILL WALK WITH PHILIP'S CASKET?
Philip's casket is covered with his personal standard along with his sword, naval cap and a wreath of flowers.
The coffin was moved by the Queen's Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, where Philip was a colonel for 42 years.
At 2.45pm, the Band of the Grenadier Guards, followed by the Major General commanding the Household Division, will then lead the procession.
Different groups will then follow the Duke of Edinburgh's coffin through the grounds of Windsor Castle.
Philip's children, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and Prince Charles will form one group.
- Joseph Gamp
WILLIAM, KATE MIDDLETON AND CHARLES HEAD TO PRINCE PHILIP’S FUNERAL AS MOURNERS ARRIVE AT WINDSOR
PRINCE William,Kate Middleton and Prince Charles have been pictured heading to Prince Philip's funeral today. The Duke of Edinburgh – Britain's longest-serving consort – is being laid to rest in a scaled-back, Covid-secure ceremony at 3pm honouring his service.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were pictured being driven to the castle this morning from Kensington Palace.
Kate was dressed all in black with a netted veil covering her face mask. She is also wearing a stunning pearl necklace belonging to the Queen and drop earrings.
Meanwhile William looked sombre in a black suit and black tie, teamed with a face mask.
The sombre proceedings started at 11am today when his coffin was moved from the private chapel to the Inner Hall of Windsor Castle.
- Joseph Gamp
PRINCE HASSAN OF JORDAN DESCRIBES PHILIP AS 'A REMARKABLE HUMAN BEING'
Prince Hassan bin Talal, a member of the Jordanian royal family, described his friend the Duke of Edinburgh as a "remarkable human being".
He told BBC Radio 4's Today: "I think I was very close to knowing the man, the human being, and in that sense I feel the privilege in having known not only an encyclopaedia of knowledge, but also an icon of human dignity."
He said he enjoyed the duke's "forthrightness", adding he did not think Philip would mind having a scaled-down funeral due to coronavirus restrictions.
"On the contrary, I think he had every right to make it as personal and as poignant," he continued.
- Joseph Gamp
LARGE CROWDS GATHER ON THE LONG WALK, WINDSOR
People gather on the Long Walk as the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery make their way towards Windsor Castle - Dan Keane
FINAL JOURNEY (PART 2)
Different groups will follow the Duke of Edinburgh's coffin through the grounds of Windsor Castle.
One group will consist of the Duke of Edinburgh's children – Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and Prince Charles.
But Prince William and Harry will be separated during the procession by their cousin Peter Phillips at the request of the Queen.
A national minute's silence will take place at 3pm before the 50-minute service honouring Philip's 70-plus years of duty to the Queen and country begins.
Buglers from the Royal Marines will sound Action Stations to reflect Philip's life-long association with the Royal Navy.
- Dan Keane
FINAL JOURNEY (PART 1)
At 2.40pm, Prince Philip's coffin will move to the state entrance where it will be loaded onto a modified Land Rover which Prince himself helped to design. The vehicle will be used to transport the coffin during the procession.
The service will begin with a ceremonial procession, setting off from the state entrance at 2.45pm with the Prince of Wales and members of Royal Family following on foot behind Philip's coffin.
The national anthem will then ring out as the Queen – joined by a Lady-in-Waiting – is taken in a Bentley to St George's Chapel. The monarch, who lost her beloved husband of more than 70 years, will have to sit alone.
The route will lead the Prince of Wales and other royals on foot to the west door of the chapel.
- Dan Keane
SPECIAL GUN SALUTES FOR PHILIP IN MALTA
Gun tributes for Prince Philip have been fired in Malta – in honour of his time spent living there with the Queen.
The Malta Heritage Trust fired a nine-gun salute this morning at the Upper Barrakka Saluting Battery overlooking Grand Harbour, in Valletta.
Prince Philip and the Queen treasured the period spent in the country, living in a Mediterranean 18th-century villa – which offered them their only chance to live as a relatively ordinary couple.
Credit: Reuters - Dan Keane
MEGHAN WILL WATCH PHILIP'S FUNERAL ON LIVE-STREAM
Meghan Markle will watch Prince Philip's funeral on a live stream from the US after being unable to attend.
The Duchess of Sussex, 39, has remained in the US on doctor's advice while Prince Harry made the 5,400-mile trip to the UK ahead today's event.
But Buckingham Palace confirmed those who are unable to attend will make "private arrangements" to mark Philip's life.
And Meghan will be able to watch the sombre proceedings through a special live stream with Archie.
- Dan Keane
PHILIP'S 'KINDNESS AND HUMANITY'
The Dean of Windsor, in the Bidding, will today pay tribute to Philip's "kindness, humour and humanity".
"With grateful hearts, we remember the many ways in which his long life has been a blessing to us," he will say of Philip, who died aged 99 last Friday.
"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."
- Dan Keane
DUKE 'HELD CLEAR AFFECTION' FOR THE MILITARY
Admiral Tony Radakin, the First Sea Lord, who will take part in the funeral procession walking ahead of the coffin, said the duke held a "very clear affection" for the military that was reciprocated.
He told BBC Radio 4's Today: "I really do think that for all of us in the military, today is about a royal funeral and it is about playing our part in that.
"But it is for the Royal Air Force, the British Army and the Royal Navy, and to reflect our dignity and respect and the affection we all had for Prince Philip, and the very clear affection that he had for all of us."
- Dan Keane
POET'S ELEGY
The Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage, has written a poem to mark the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.
It pays tribute to Philip's distinguished career in the Royal Navy, and refers to his generation as "husbands to duty" and "great-grandfathers from birth".
It reads: "On such an occasion / to presume to eulogise one man is to pipe up / for a whole generation – that crew whose survival / was always the stuff of minor miracle,
"Who came ashore in orange-crate coracles, / fought ingenious wars, finagled triumphs at sea / with flaming decoy boats, and side-stepped torpedoes."
The poem describes the duke's generation as the "last of the great avuncular magicians" who "kept their best tricks for the grand finale".
- Dan Keane
PHILIP'S 'PRACTICAL FAITH'
Lord Chartres said the duke had a "very practical" Christian faith.
He added: "I always remember preaching on occasions which he was principal actor that the instruction would always come down: 'No more than four minutes'.
"He was at home with broad church, high church and low church, but what he really liked was short church, and I think that-one was left in no doubt about that."
The peer described Philip as a "very questioning, curious and deeply committed person".
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