Nation is silent in memory of the Duke of Edinburgh Bedford News

The nation fell silent in memory of the Duke of Edinburgh as his funeral marking a life of service, dedication and duty began.

The Queen and her family gathered to bid farewell to Philip, who passed away peacefully just over a week ago at Windsor Castle and has been hailed as the country’s ‘grandfather’ by his son the Duke from York.

Covid-19 regulations have reduced the scope of the service with public items canceled, mourners reduced from around 800 to just 30, and all guests wearing face masks and sitting apart.

As the funeral began, the nation stopped to observe a minute of silence in memory of the Duke who died a few months before his 100th birthday.

In times closer to summer than spring, the Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal had led the royals to walk behind their father’s coffin a short distance between the castle and St George’s Chapel.

Nearby, a topless protester ran past a crowd near Windsor Castle after the minute’s silence.

The woman ran down the road shouting “save the planet” after the crowd started cheering after the silence.

She jumped on a statue of Queen Victoria before police removed her from the Castle Hill scene.

Philip’s coffin was carried on a Land Rover Defender hearse custom built by the Duke and modified for 16 years.

He was followed for part of his last trip by the Queen, who traveled in a Bentley with Lady Susan Hussey, along with her trusted maid of honor – both wearing face masks.

Royal mourners including the Duchess of Cornwall, Duchess of Cambridge, Countess of Wessex and her children Viscount Severn and Lady Louise Windsor watched her pass.

Zara and Mike Tindall, Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, as well as Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank were also in attendance.

Philip’s death left the monarchy in private mourning, but they made public appearances to acknowledge the support and condolences received throughout the week from the nation.

Charles spoke first for the family and congratulated his “dear daddy” for the “most outstanding and dedicated service to the Queen, to my family and to the country”.

A few days later, he naturally looked more moved when he saw firsthand at Marlborough House the hundreds of cards, flowers, letters and pictures left by the public wanting to honor his father.

Personal, funny and revealing tributes were paid by the Duke’s children and grandchildren who knew him best, and saw a side of the Duke only seen by the outside world.

The Duke of Sussex summed up his ‘grandfather’ as ‘barbecue master, joke legend, and cheeky to the end’ while the Duke of Cambridge pledged to respect his wishes and continue to support the queen and “continue with the work”.

Never-before-seen photographs have been released showing Philip sitting on a couch with the Queen of Balmoral surrounded by their great-grandchildren, having a bite to eat with his family with a beer on hand, or in the Scottish Highlands by train to relax with his wife.

Philip’s death came at a time of upheaval for the royal family with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex accusing them of racism and lack of support against their family in their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey.

Harry also opened up about a breakup with his brother William and father Charles, and this week funeral plans revealed he would not be walking side-by-side with his brother in the funeral procession or sitting together in the inside the chapel.

In an unexpected move, it was announced that military uniforms would not be worn but a morning coat with medals or day dresses.

This meant that Harry – who lost his honorary military titles after stepping down from the royal family – would not be moved and it ended reports that the Duke of York was considering wearing the admiral’s uniform.

Andrew was due to be promoted to admiral in 2020 to mark his 60th birthday, but after the fallout from his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, he did not receive the honor.