Prince Philip's Coffin Was Lowered Into The Royal Vault At Windsor Castle But He Will Be Moved Once More When The Queen Dies

Apr 20, 2021

On Friday, April 9, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, passed away at the age of 99 years old. Not long before his death, the Queen's beloved husband was discharged from the hospital after spending several days there due to complications with an infection.

Prince Philip's infection was reportedly not due to coronavirus, as he and the Queen were vaccinated in January of this year, according to BBC. Philip's passing ends his reign as the longest-serving royal spouse, having served alongside Queen Elizabeth II for 65 years and having been married to the monarch for 73 years in total.

The Royal Family scheduled a funeral that took place on Saturday, April 17, and had a limited number of guests due to the current coronavirus pandemic. The grief of his passing has been deep in the United Kingdom, but his family is also sharing the happier times spent with him. 

Since Philip's death, there have been a significant number of tributes and condolences pouring in. His singular and incredible life continues to be remembered and celebrated by his family.

While Philip has a large number of achievements and accolades to his name, nothing will ever surpass the fact that he was the love of Elizabeth's life, and that he was the most devoted consort to the queen. The Duke of Edinburgh was an active and dedicated member of the Royal family ever since Queen Elizabeth's crowning. 

In the future when Elizabeth passes away, she will be buried alongside her husband, and Philip will be moved from where he will be buried now.

According to Biography.com Philip met his future wife, Elizabeth, for the first time in 1934, when both families attended the marriage of his cousin to Elizabeth's uncle and met once again when Elizabeth's father, George VI, was crowned. They began their relationship when Elizabeth was still a teenager, and their relationship continued to become stronger through the years and Prince Philip asked Elizabeth to marry him in 1946. 

Before Philip got married to Queen Elizabeth, he was required to give up his titles and succession to the throne in Greece. He did so willingly and took on his mother's surname Mountbatten, and had ever since remained steadfast in his service to his country. Philip served with the Royal Navy during World War II and continued his active service until Elizabeth's accession to the throne on February 6th, 1952.

Philip and Elizabeth celebrated their 73rd anniversary in November 2020, and had been devoted to one another throughout their lives. They have embodied the meaning of true love, and their unconditional and unwavering support for one another has been an inspiration to many people over the years. 

In an oft-quoted speech on the date of Elizabeth and Philip’s 50th wedding anniversary in 1997, the queen called her husband her “strength" and reiterated the same thoughts in her own photo tribute to her late husband, which was posted to the official royal Instagram handle. 

The caption reads, "...he has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years, and I, and his whole family, and this and many other countries, owe him a debt greater than he would ever claim, or we shall ever know."

The exact cause of death has not been released publically, but in an official statement, the palace reported that he went peacefully. His death set off Operation Forth Bridge, which is the plan for publically announcing his death and the ensuing funeral arrangements.

As Prince Philip was not a monarch, he would not have been given a state funeral but a royal ceremonial funeral instead. Due to the current pandemic restrictions, the funeral was very small — only 30 people were allowed to attend. Many royal family members were a part of the funeral, including Prince Harry, who has lived in the United States with Meghan Markle for the last year.  

The Royal Family arranged for the funeral to be held at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, where his coffin is also expected to remain until the day the Queen dies, after which the Duke of Edinburgh will be buried alongside his wife of 73 years according to Metro UK.

This is a final and poignant tribute to his companion of over seven decades. Though it isn't clear where exactly Elizabeth will be buried, it may be possible that she will want to be buried alongside her parents in the King George VI memorial chapel. 

Philip's death came as a shock to most people, and even though PEOPLE reported that the queen was prepared for his death, it is a trying and sorrowful time for everyone in the family. However, Philip's final wish to die in his own home and bed was fulfilled, and Elizabeth remained by his side till the very end.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip are the embodiment of unconditional love and support. What do you think of their steadfast devotion to each other over the years? Tell us what you think of their royal love story, and be sure to let your friends know about Philip's final wish to be buried with his wife.