Prince Philip to have a ‘green’ funeral with hybrid car and wool coffin, say reports
On Friday 9 April, it was announced that HRH Prince Philip had passed away “peacefully” at Windsor Castle at the age of 99.
The Duke of Edinburgh had been sent home from hospital several weeks prior after undergoing a procedure for a pre-existing condition.
It has been confirmed that the duke’s funeral will be held at 3pm on Saturday 17 April at St George’s Chapel in Windsor. But due to coronavirus restrictions, just 30 guests will be permitted to attend.
There have been reports that the Duke of Edinburgh wanted a low-key ceremony and it was announced at the weekend that Philip would be given a ceremonial royal funeral, as the Queen Mother was in 2002.
This is instead of a state funeral. A state funeral is normally reserved for the monarch.
The government has confirmed HRH will lie-at-rest in Windsor Castle ahead of the funeral service, but this will not be open to the public. Instead royal fans are asked to sign a condolence book online.
Now further details of the funeral have been reported, with The Sun claiming that the ceremony will honour Philip’s life-long interest in the environment with some eco-friendly touches.
The Land Rover that will transport the Duke’s coffin through the grounds of Windsor Castle to the chapel - that Prince Philip himself helped design back in 2005 - is believed to be a hybrid electric vehicle.
The modified Defender 130 Gun Bus was commissioned was specially designed to carry a coffin.
In another environmentally-friendly move, the palace is reportedly considering a casket made from wool.
Wool coffins are made solely from materials that are readily biodegradable and are strengthened by robust recycled cardboard.
Inside, they are lined with organic cotton are the edges are finished with jute.
The royal family has an ongoing friendship with the West Yorkshire-based company that makes wool coffins, AW Hainsworth, which also made military uniforms for the Duke’s grandson’s Prince William and Harry which were worn at their weddings.
In 2010, Prince Charles said in a speech at Clarence House: “I have discovered a company that makes a woollen coffin — coffins, ladies and gentlemen, to die for.”
The funeral takes place on the eighth day of national mourning, which began on the day of the announcement of the Duke’s death.
The ceremony is due to begin at 3pm on 17 April and will be televised. A national minute’s silence will be held when it begins.
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