Marking the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh: the military’s role
Over the past week the Armed Forces have commemorated HRH The Duke of Edinburgh’s life of service and close relationship with the military
On Friday 9 April HRH The Duke of Edinburgh passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle, aged 99. The Duke served in the Royal Navy until 1952 when he became consort to Her Majesty The Queen, and continued to maintain a close relationship with the Armed Forces throughout his life.
Friday 9 April: Lowering flags and paying tribute
Following the announcement of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh’s passing by Buckingham Palace, flags were lowered to half mast at the Ministry of Defence in Whitehall and at UK military installations and Her Majesty’s Ships across the world.
The Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace, and senior Defence military personnel also paid tribute to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
Saturday 10 April: Death Gun salutes
Military personnel marked the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh with a 41-Gun Salute fired across the nation and overseas. At 12pm, gun salutes took place at locations including the Tower of London, Woolwich Barracks, Edinburgh Castle, Cardiff Castle and Hillsborough Castle.
Members of the Household Cavalry also paid tribute to the Duke outside Windsor Castle.
Wednesday 14 April: Rehearsals for the funeral
Armed Forces personnel came together in Pirbright for dress rehearsals for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Funeral Service.
Saturday 17 April: Royal Funeral Service
The Ceremonial Royal Funeral took place at 3pm, Saturday 17 April at St George’s Chapel, Windsor. Around 730 Armed Forces personnel from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force provided ceremonial support for the procession and service, with music played by musicians from the three Services.
The service began with a National Minute Silence at 3pm and was preceded by a ceremonial procession inside the grounds of Windsor Castle.
The Armed Forces are proud to have played a part in the funeral.
