Philip refuses a state funeral at Westminster Abbey

[mediastar]

Daily Mail

The Duke of Edinburgh has drawn up secret plans for a private funeral at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, and has declined the offer of a State service.

[serene grace]

I like Prince Phillip.

[Monika]

I respect his choice.  One of the reader comments included below the DM article says it best: 

"We will essentially lose the integrity and sense of duty of the royal family with the passing of the Queen and Prince Philip. God bless them both."

[deGlamorgan]

After The Diana Show I can't say that I blame him.     Personally, I still find the Viking funeral the way to go...


(Not trying to offend with the above statement but it was so over the top)

[Trudie]

All this talk about PP's funeral makes one wonder if he really is terminally ill. As for his choice of service it is very like him. Practical and no nonsense.

[Trudie]

After The Diana Show I can't say that I blame him.     Personally, I still find the Viking funeral the way to go...


(Not trying to offend with the above statement but it was so over the top)

The Diana show as you call it was not so over the top as it was what it was. " A unique funeral for a unique person" Her funeral was a show of respect for a dearly loved and devoted mother, Princess and tireless charity worker, who was still in her prime.

[deGlamorgan]

Whereas I respect your opinion I still stand by mine.     I found the media created event to have been an astonishing display of emotions run amok from mostly people who should have known better.  And all this for Diana?  You're kidding me, right?  Most people don't blubber about so for their own family members but for someone they didn't even know?  You'd think Jesus had just been crucified.  It was just too weird.  The poor sons, how uncomfortable all those strangers must have made them feel.  My hearts to them. 

Anyway, back on topic:  I am a huge supporter of PP and, I, too, hope this isn't pointing to his own mortality.  I'd like to see him reign alongside QEII for the next 20 years.   

[lurker]

Am I the only one who finds all the talk about Philips funeral a little weird? First the story of Harry promising him to change and now this? I hope he's alright. 

[leogirl]

Just a few months ago, there were articles about William's funeral. These things are planned well in advance, so this may not mean anything.

Harry promising change could just mean that BH is advising him and he is expected to start growing up; he will be 24 years old next month, and being photographed out clubbing could be damaging after all his positive charity and army work he's done this year.

But if Philip were ill or dying, he is 87 years old. Although I do hope he lives another 20 years, he has already had a good long life, outlived the average life expectancy for men and women, and got to see his grandchildren (all but the much-youngest two that were born in this decade) grow up and the eldest get married to a woman he loves. I am happy we've gotten to have Philip this long, whether today be his last day or he lives another 20+ years.

I hope he's okay, too. 

[Windsor]

The Diana show as you call it was not so over the top as it was what it was. " A unique funeral for a unique person" Her funeral was a show of respect for a dearly loved and devoted mother, Princess and tireless charity worker, who was still in her prime.

It was not a unique funeral, it was a State Funeral like any other!

[Trudie]

^ True Windsor but what made it unique was Representatives from her charities walking behind the casket, Elton John singing in tribute not just traditional hymns as much as there was sorrow there was a real celebration of her life not just with the floral tributes but with praise and applause that she had not receive in life for a job well done.

[fawbert]

I like Prince Phillip.

So do I.  I find it unusual that he was offered a "State" funeral in the first place. Royal Consorts are usually afforded a ceremonial funeral, but a full-blown State Funeral is reserved for the Sovereign.

==

[Cordelia]

I doubt he would really have a private funeral. I don't know where the Mail gets some of these stories.

[fawbert]

His funeral has been planned for years. It'll be exactly like that of Princess Margaret (2002), Prince Henry Duke of Gloucester (1974),  &c.

[Windsor]

Indeed!

[Jenee]

Just a few months ago, there were articles about William's funeral. These things are planned well in advance, so this may not mean anything.

And even more recently, articles about Margaret Thatcher getting a state funeral... I doubt it means he's sick or anything.

[fawbert]

The Queen Mother had hers planned to the last detail by the middle of 1970, and went on to live another 31 years.

[leogirl]

Yep.

[Kate]

I thought Diana's funeral was an unique state funeral...For a very unique lady...

[Kate]

I like Prince Phillip.

I rather like Prince Phillip, NOW, myself! There were years I did not, simply because of the things he did, which hurt the Queen...However, if the Queen can get over some of the things he did, then the rest of us can to...!!

[fawbert]

I thought Diana's funeral was an unique state funeral...For a very unique lady...

The palace authorities stressed at the time that it wasn't a state funeral, but a unique funeral.

[leogirl]

A unique position, too. Diana was no longer a member of the royal family, but still beloved by so many people around the world.

[Trudie]

^ True Leogirl Diana was in a very unique position and one that had never happened before. Though no longer legally a member of the Royal family, Diana is the Mother of 2 possible Kings William being the direct heir and Harry possibly becoming a King or regent should something happen to William although that is a very remote possibility.

[fawbert]

^ True Windsor but what made it unique was Representatives from her charities walking behind the casket, Elton John singing in tribute not just traditional hymns as much as there was sorrow there was a real celebration of her life not just with the floral tributes but with praise and applause that she had not receive in life for a job well done.

Tha applause was hideous. I loathe clapping in church. Call me old fashioned.

[Monika]

Tha applause was hideous. I loathe clapping in church. Call me old fashioned.

The applause started outside, I believe, and only started within the abbey after they heard it and were inspired to react likewise.