The sober, austere and impeccable celebration in the setting of the medieval Windsor Castle confirms English excellence in ceremonies and liturgies. That Prince Philip, who has passed away at the age of 99, had prepared every detail for a long time. As Admiral of the Royal Navy - the British navy dating back to the 16th century - he wanted a military funeral. He designed the vehicle that would receive his coffin; not a cannon barrel, but a dark green Land Rover Defender TD 5130, Dark Bronze Green, suitably modified with his own design. He had an in depth car design, so he transformed the rear of the car to accommodate his coffin in a lengthy study that began in 2003 and was completed in 2019. 

FAREWELL TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE PHILIP, DUKE OF EDINBURGH

The severity and simplicity of the hearse highlighted a noble aspect of the complex personality of the man who was for 73 years the consort of the Sovereign of the United Kingdom, and also reminded the world of England's heroic times and its decisive role in the Second World War. A keen sportsman, even though he had very classy cars at his disposal, he particularly loved to drive Land Rovers (off-road vehicles built by the British company since 1948) inspired by the jeeps used by the Americans during the Second World War. The real passion of the British royals were these cars in the Range Rover and Defender versions, so practical for moving around the various estates of the Kingdom, with performance in all conditions and comfortable at the same time. In the sad funeral procession, the Queen arrived, alone, in her Bentley State Limousine, the current official car, which was produced in only two examples in burgundy, bearing the banner of the British monarchs with the Coat of Arms, and the statuette of St George on the radiator grille. This luxury car replaced the superb Phantom VI (1968/91), a very rare version of Rolls Royce, produced in only 374 examples, in the Silver Jubilee Car model, after its Fifty-Years Reign. The Royal cars were also extensively modified inside to make the cabin more comfortable and luxurious, with a glass partition.

 

 

FAREWELL TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE PHILIP, DUKE OF EDINBURGH
FAREWELL TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE PHILIP, DUKE OF EDINBURGH
FAREWELL TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE PHILIP, DUKE OF EDINBURGH
FAREWELL TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE PHILIP, DUKE OF EDINBURGH
FAREWELL TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE PHILIP, DUKE OF EDINBURGH
FAREWELL TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE PHILIP, DUKE OF EDINBURGH
FAREWELL TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE PHILIP, DUKE OF EDINBURGH
FAREWELL TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE PHILIP, DUKE OF EDINBURGH

The British Royal Family's cars included the Daimler Super V8, Daimler being the oldest British car manufacturer (1896) and former supplier to King Edward VII, Son of Queen Victoria. Aston Martins were also present, including the Vantage Volante V8, a special version for Charles of England, who personally made the modifications to the model, and various Jaguars including the X-Type saloon (2001). We join The British subjects in mourning the loss of Prince Philip.