Prince Philip began his final journey on Saturday on a specially modified Land Rover hearse, followed on foot by a procession of senior royals including Prince Charles and Princes William and Harry.
Queen Elizabeth followed the procession in the State Bentley as the coffin, borne on the bespoke Defender TD 130 in military green, made its way to Philip’s funeral service at St George’s Chapel.
Charles and Princess Anne followed the coffin on foot, followed by their brothers Edward and Andrew, and Charles’ two sons William and Harry – evoking memories of the 1997 funeral of Diana when they walked as grieving boys behind their mother’s coffin.
Philip’s naval cap and sword lay on top of the coffin which was covered with the Duke of Edinburgh’s personal standard featuring the Danish coat of arms, the Greek cross, Edinburgh Castle and the stripes of the Mountbatten family.
The Band of the Genadier Guards led the procession, followed by military chiefs. The coffin will pause for the national minute of silence at 3pm (midnight AEST). A gun fired from the East Lawn will signify the start and end.
Before the coffin emerged from the castle, military bands spaced out across the quadrangle in brilliant sunshine to play the prince’s chosen music, including “I Vow To Thee My Country,”, “Jerusalem” and “Nimrod”.