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Soldier Collapses While Holding Rifle At Prince Philip's Funeral

Soldier Collapses While Holding Rifle At Prince Philip's Funeral

While it’s not known what happened to the man, it’s believed he collapsed as a result of the heat.

Anonymous

Anonymous

A soldier at Prince Philip's funeral was pictured falling to the floor while standing outside St George's Chapel.

While it's not known what happened to the man, thought to be from the Rifles regiment of the British Army, it's believed he collapsed as a result of the heat.

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The sun was shining as the temperature approached 14 degrees Celsius during the Duke of Edinburgh's ceremony, which started at 3pm on Saturday (17 April).

Photos show the army official wearing a full ceremonial uniform including gloves and a rifle as he fell backwards, causing his cap to fall off his head.

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In one picture, a soldier to his right clutches onto a colleague, while another shows the fallen Rifles member appearing dazed as he reaches for his hat.

The Metro reports that it's likely the official had been on his feet for several hours during the event, which took place at the chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle.

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It's said that the army had been rehearsing all week for the funeral of Philip, who had once served as the Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles.

The Prince Consort, who recently died at the age of 99, was placed in the Royal Vault, making him the 25th Royal to have been buried in the 200-year-old crypt situated 16ft beneath St George's.

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And his remains will remain in place, behind iron gates, until the Queen dies. At that time, they will both be placed in the King George VI Memorial Chapel, Windsor, alongside George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

The service, which was restricted due to the rules surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, saw 30 guests in attendance, including Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, Prince Harry and Prince William.

Prince Harry's wife Meghan Markle was not in attendance as she was told not to fly by her doctor due to the fact that she is heavily pregnant.

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The country observed a minute's silence ahead of the service and Heathrow Airport halted all flights going in and out during the start of the funeral.

Ahead of the service, Prince Philip's coffin was carried to the chapel in the Land Rover TD5 130 chassis cab vehicle, which he spent 16 years helping to design.

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Prince Philip's passing was announced via the Royal Family's Twitter account on 9 April, with a statement reading: "His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."

Words by Daisy Phillipson

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Topics: army, Funeral, UK, Royal Family, soldier