ladbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Prince Philip Will Be 25th Royal Buried In 200-Year-Old Vault

Prince Philip Will Be 25th Royal Buried In 200-Year-Old Vault

The Prince Consort will be laid to rest today after passing away at the age of 99

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers

Prince Philip will be the 25th member of the royal family to be laid to rest in a 200-year-old Royal Vault at St George's Chapel today (17 April).

The Prince Consort passed away earlier this month at the age of 99 and his funeral is set to take place this afternoon.

His remains will be placed behind a set of iron gates around 16ft underground and will stay there until his wife Queen Elizabeth II dies.

They will both then be placed in the King George VI Memorial Chapel, Windsor, alongside George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

Other notable royals to have been buried in the Royal Vault include George III, George IV, George V of Hanover and William IV.

Queen Victoria's father Prince Edward and Queen Mary's grandfather Prince Adolphus were buried there too.

Prince Philip's remains will be moved to the George VI Memorial Chapel when the Queen dies.
PA

Monarchs from earlier times were placed in the Henry VII Chapel at Westminster Abbey, where they remain to this day.

However, the vault quickly filled up and George III commissioned the building of a new site under the Albert Memorial Chapel, to the east of St George's Chapel, in 1810.

The tomb had previously been built by Henry VII as a resting place - though abandoned for a grander setting at Westminster Abbey - and was virtually destroyed during the Civil War.

The service for Prince Philip's funeral will begin at 3pm today.

The arrangements have been adapted in light of the Covid pandemic, but are 'very much' reflective of the Duke's wishes

According to the BBC, Prince Harry will fly over to the UK from his home in the US to join other members of the Royal Family at the ceremony.

A spokesperson for the Palace said: "Whilst this is a time of sadness and mourning the coming days will be an opportunity to celebrate a remarkable life."

Prince Philip will be laid to rest today.
PA

As part of the arrangements, his coffin is to be carried in the Land Rover he helped design.

A statement from the Palace regarding the funeral said: "On Saturday 17 April, The Duke of Edinburgh's coffin will be moved by a Bearer Party found by The Queen's Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards.

"Positioned in the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle will be representative detachments drawn from His Royal Highness's military special relationships.

"His Royal Highness's coffin will be carried in a purpose-built Land Rover - which The Duke was involved in the design of - flanked by military Pall Bearers, in a small Ceremonial Procession from the State Entrance to St George's Chapel, for the Funeral Service.

"Members of the Royal Family and The Duke of Edinburgh's Household will walk behind the coffin from the Quadrangle, down Chapel Hill and into Horseshoe Cloister. The Funeral Service will begin with a National Minute's Silence at 1500hrs."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: World News, UK News, Queen Elizabeth II, Funeral, Royal Family