Prince Philip’s coffin was lowered into the Royal Vault at the end of his televised funeral service today.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s coffin was interred by electric motor beneath the floor of the quire at St George’s Chapel in Windsor as the Dean of Windsor delivered his commendation.
While the lowering of the coffin normally takes place in private, the poignant moment was broadcast in front of millions of viewers in a historic first for the royal family.
The duke is now the 25th Royal in the 200-year-old vault hidden beneath St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
As his coffin was lowered beneath the chapel floor on a catafalque, the duke’s styles and titles were read out in full – including His Royal Highness, Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth and Baron Greenwich.
Royal Marine buglers sounded ‘Action Stations,’ an alarm that alerts sailors to prepare for battle, as Prince Philip’s coffin, which was draped in his personal standard and carried his sword and naval cap, was lowered into the Royal Vault.
The inclusion of the naval call to arms, after the traditional bugle call of ‘The Last Post,’ was a personal request from the duke.
Ahead of Prince Philip’s funeral, Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty magazine, said the televised moment would be a ‘unique in British royal history’.
The Duke of Edinburgh, who died last Friday aged 99, will join a range of kings and queens behind a set of iron gates around 16ft underground.
Among the notables already there include George III, George IV, George V of Hanover and William IV.
Others who are also buried there are Queen Victoria’s father Prince Edward, George III’s wife Queen Charlotte and Queen Mary’s grandfather Prince Adolphus.
His coffin was lowered into the Royal Vault at around 3pm and will stay there until the Queen dies.
