Royal family will NOT wear military uniforms at Prince Philip’s memorial

The Royal Family will not wear military uniforms during today’s service of thanksgiving for the Duke of Edinburgh – as a nod to his ‘understated and modest’ style.

The likes of Prince Charles and Prince William – having recently returned from a Caribbean tour – as well as the other 1,800 guests expected to attend, will instead follow a dress code of ‘lounge suits and day dresses’.

The monarch, 95, has rallied to make an appearance and lead her family at the high-profile and personally significant occasion in honour of husband Philip.

She made the final decision on Tuesday morning, hours before she was due to travel from Windsor Castle to central London, having been determined to be at Westminster Abbey if her mobility allowed her.

However, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not be in attendance amid Harry’s ongoing row with the Home Office over security.

It will also mark the first public appearance for Prince Andrew since his high-profile multi-million-pound payout to Virginia Giuffre.

Sources say the dress code decision will spare any dilemma over what the Duke of York, who has lost the majority of his military titles but retains his rank of Vice-Admiral in the Royal Navy, should wear for the occasion, the Telegraph reports.

At Philip’s funeral last April, the men wore morning suits, military ties and medals but a less formal approach will be adopted for today’s occasion.

The Royal Family will not wear military uniforms during today’s service of thanksgiving for the Duke of Edinburgh – as a nod to his ‘understated and modest’ style

At Philip’s funeral last April, the men wore morning suits, military ties and medals but a less formal approach will be adopted for today’s occasion

It will also mark the first public appearance for Prince Andrew since his high-profile multi-million-pound payout to Virginia Giuffre

The likes of Charles and Camilla, as well as the other 1,800 guests expected to attend, will instead follow a dress code of ‘lounge suits and day dresses’

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have only recently returned from their tour of the Caribbean

Princess Anne is also expected to be in attendance at the service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey this morning

The Queen is said to be determined to travel to London to mark the long and productive life of her husband Philip in what would be her first major public engagement away from Windsor Castle in nearly six months

 

The decision was reportedly made amid concerns that Harry, who relinquished official duties in 2020, would be the only senior Royal not in uniform, while Andrew is said to have asked to wear a Naval uniform.  

Royal aides have revealed the Queen, 95, has been ‘actively involved’ in plans for the service at Westminster Abbey ‘with many elements reflecting Her Majesty’s wishes’ as the order of service was unveiled overnight. 

It includes several elements the Duke had planned for his funeral last year but which were forbidden by Covid restrictions at the time.

Among them is the involvement of Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) gold award winners and Sea Cadets, his expressed wish for the congregation to sing the rousing hymn Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer, and for clergy from the royal estates of Windsor, Sandringham and Balmoral to play a special part. 

Around 1,800 guests are due at today’s service, including British and European royalty, representatives of the many charities of which the duke was patron or president, Boris and Carrie Johnson, and Sir David Attenborough. 

While the Queen’s arrival is mentioned in the order of service, it is understood a final decision on her attendance will not be made until first thing this morning.

She has recently been forced to pull out of a string of engagements because of ill health and old age. She was unable to attend the Commonwealth Day service this month because of concerns about her mobility and comfort.

Palace and Abbey aides are thought to have taken steps to ensure that the service, to be televised live on BBC One, is less taxing for the Queen.

A graphic shows the plan for the service to remember Prince Philip at Westminster Abbey taking place this morning 

Instead of arriving at the usual West Entrance to the Abbey, which would involve steps and a long walk down the Nave in front of the cameras, the Queen could be driven around the side of the building and enter away from public view via the ‘Poet’s Entrance’.

She would then have a far shorter walk down the South Transept to her seat. It is likely she would walk with the aid of a stick.

The service will gave thanks for the duke’s dedication to family, nation and Commonwealth and recognise the importance of his legacy in creating opportunities for young people, promoting conservation, and supporting the Armed Forces.

One of the elements planned for the funeral which has now been included in the service will see nine Gold Award holders from The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, plus representatives from UK Cadet Force Associations, line entry routes into Westminster Abbey. 

Prince Philip’s memorial Order of Service in FULL: Royal Family release details of the final farewell for the Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey

The Royal Family and Westminster Abbey have released the full Order of Service ahead of today’s memorial service for HRH Prince Philip, who died almost one year ago.

The service, which is set to take place at Westminster Abbey from 11:30am today, will pay tribute to The Duke of Edinburgh’s contribution to public life and support to charitable organisations.

The memorial ceremony will also incorporate several aspects that were planned for Philip’s funeral last year, which were unable to go ahead due to the Covid-19 restrictions in place at the time.

The Queen, who was married to The Duke of Edinburgh for 73 years prior to his death, is said to have personally overseen many elements of the service.

Buckingham Palace said there will also be a heavy military presence at the service, given Philip’s glittering career in the Armed Forces, along with several recipients and individuals involved in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme. 

Here is the official Order of Service for the Service of Thanksgiving for HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, who died April 9, 2021. 

The Queen and Prince Philip in June 2014. The Duke of Edinburgh died in April 2021 aged 99

Introduction 

The service is conducted by the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster.

The service is sung by the Choirs of Westminster Abbey, and Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, directed by James O’Donnell, Organist and Master of the Choristers, Westminster Abbey. 

The organ is played by Peter Holder, Sub-Organist. The State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry are directed by Trumpet Major Julian Sandford, and the Fanfare Team from the Central Band of the Royal Air Force are directed by Sergeant Timothy Hynd RAF. 

Before the service Matthew Jorysz, Assistant Organist, plays:

• Andante cantabile from Symphony No 3, Charles-Marie Widor (1844–1937)  
• Bist du bei mir BWV 508, attributed to Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) 
• Salix from Plymouth Suite, Percy Whitlock (1903–46)

The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth (Royal Band), directed by Lieutenant Colonel Jason Burcham RM, Principal Director of Music, plays:

• Prelude from 49th Parallel, Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958) arranged by Michael McDermott 
• Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral from Lohengri,n Richard Wagner (1813–83) arranged by Peter Curtis 
• Canterbury Chorale, Jan Van der Roost (b 1956) 
• Lux Aurumque, Eric Whitacre (b 1970) 
• Men of Honour Part 2, Thomas Bergerson (b 1980) arranged by Ivan Hutchinson
• Pacific, Blake Neely (b 1969) and Hans Zimmer (b 1957) arranged by Rieks van der Velde     

The Assistant Organist plays:

• Shepherd’s Song from Symphony No 6 (‘Pastoral’), Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827) 

The Sub-Organist plays:

• Benedictus from Sonata Britannica, Charles Villiers Stanford (1852–1924)

The Duke of Edinburgh, who has died at the age of 99, joined the Royal Navy in 1939 – the year the Second World War broke out – when he was still a teenager. By 1942, he had risen to the rank of first lieutenant after bravely fighting in the Battle of Crete and the conflict at Cape Matapan. Left: Philip in 1946. Right: Phlip in 1945, when he was serving on HMS Valiant

It wasn’t just on water where Philip put his military credentials to good use – he trained to be a pilot with the RAF and by the time he gave up flying in 1997, at the age of 76, he had completed 5,986 hours of time in the sky in 59 different aircraft

Members of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Family arrive and are conducted to their seats.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, the Right Honourable Dame Eleanor Laing DBE MP, and The Lord Speaker, the Lord McFall of Alcluith, are received by the Dean and Chapter of Westminster. Presentations are made and they are conducted to their seats. 

The Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Boris Johnson MP, and Mrs Johnson, are received. Presentations are made and they are conducted to their seats. 

The Right Worshipful The Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Andrew Smith, and The Lady Mayoress Salma Shah are received. Presentations are made and they are conducted to their seats. 

All stand, and then sit. 

Representatives of faith communities and of the churches process to places in the Lantern. The King and Queen of the Belgians, The Queen of Denmark, The Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, The Prince of Monaco, The King and Queen of the Netherlands and Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, The King and Queen of Norway, The King and Queen of Spain, The King and Queen of Sweden, Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Prince El Hassan bin Talal and Princess Sarvath El Hassan, Queen Anne-Marie of the Hellenes, Crown Prince Pavlos and Crown Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece, Prince Philippos and Princess Nina of Greece, Margareta, Custodian of the Romanian Crown and Prince Radu of Romania, Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine of Serbia and Prince Kyril of Preslav arrive and are conducted to their seats. 

Members of the Royal Family arrive and are conducted to their seats. 

Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, The Duke of Kent and The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester arrive and are conducted to their seats. 

The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence KCVO, CB, The Earl and Countess of Wessex, The Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor and Viscount Severn arrive and are conducted to their seats. 

The Duke of York, Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Princess Eugenie and Mr Jack Brooksbank arrive and are conducted to their seats. 

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are received by the Dean and Chapter. Presentations are made and they are conducted to their seats.

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall are received by the Dean and Chapter. Presentations are made and they are conducted to their seats. 

All stand as the procession moves to places in Quire, the Sacrarium, and Poets’ Corner. 

A fanfare is sounded. 

The Queen is received by the Dean and Chapter. Presentations are made. 

A holder of a gold award from the Duke of Edinburgh scheme will speak at Prince Philip’s memorial service today, while nine other young people with their own awards will line the steps of Westminster Abbey. Above: The Duke of Edinburgh hosts DofE gold award presentations at Hillsborough Castle in County Down in 2017

Order of Service

All sing:

‘He who would valiant be ’gainst all disaster, let him in constancy follow the Master. There’s no discouragement shall make him once relent his first avowed intent to be a pilgrim. Whoso beset him round with dismal stories, do but themselves confound his strength the more is. No foes shall stay his might, though he with giants fight: he will make good his right to be a pilgrim. Since, Lord, thou dost defend us with thy Spirit, We know we at the end shall life inherit. Then fancies flee away! I’ll fear not what men say, I’ll labour night and day to be a pilgrim.’ (Monk’s Gate 372 NEH from The Pilgrim’s Progress adapted from an English folk song John Bunyan (1628–88) arranged by James O’Donnell (b 1961)

All sit. The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster, says the Bidding:

‘In Westminster Abbey, where he made promises that defined a life of willing duty and spirited service, we give thanks for His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. A man of rare ability and distinction, rightly honoured and celebrated, he ever directed our attention away from himself. He put privilege to work and understood his rank as a spur to service. Working at pace, with so many claims on his attention, he encouraged us to focus, as he was focussed, on the things that matter. His was a discipline and character that seized opportunity and overcame obstruction and difficulty. We recall, with affection and respect, the sustained offering of a long life lived fully. Acknowledging our loss, we turn to the God who is our help for He will renew our hope. In grateful remembrance of The Prince Philip, we then commit ourselves to live as he lived, in faith, in the service of Her Majesty, and with a greater reverence for our world and our neighbours.’

‘Let us pray in the words that Jesus taught us.

‘Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.’

Doyin Sonibare, a Gold Award holder from The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, gives a Tribute.

Doyin Sonibare, 28, from London, will pay tribute to the duke, who died last year aged 99. Ms Sonibare, who is now studying for a PhD into sickle cell disease, will tell attendees that the DofE helped her to secure her first job at the age of 18 and will reflect on the difference that the scheme has made to her life since

The Right Honourable the Lord Wallace of Tankerness QC, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, reads:

‘To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth. Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the Lord, and my judgment is passed over from my God? Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.’ (Isaiah 40: 25–31)

‘Thanks be to God.’

The choir sings: 

‘Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favour, and further us with thy continual help, that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy name, and finally by thy mercy obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.’ (William Byrd (c 1540–1623) Collect for Holy Communion The Book of Common Prayer)

The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, Dean of Her Majesty’s Chapels Royal, reads:

‘Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.’ (Philippians 4: 4–9) 

‘Thanks be to God.’

All stand to sing:

‘All creatures of our God and King, lift up your voice and with us sing Alleluia, alleluia! Thou burning sun with golden beam, thou silver moon with softer gleam: O praise him, O praise him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! 

‘Thou flowing water, pure and clear, make music for thy Lord to hear, Alleluia, alleluia! Thou fire so masterful and bright, that givest man both warmth and light: O praise him, O praise him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! 

‘Thou rushing wind that art so strong, ye clouds that sail in heaven along, O praise him, Alleluia! Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice, ye lights of evening, find a voice: O praise him, O praise him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! 

‘Dear mother earth, who day by day unfoldest blessings on our way, O praise him, Alleluia! The flowers and fruits that in thee grow, let them his glory also show: O praise him, O praise him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! 

‘Let all things their Creator bless, and worship him in humbleness, O praise him, Alleluia! Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son, and praise the Spirit, three in One: O praise him, O praise him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!’ (Lasst uns erfreuen 263 NEH, St Francis of Assisi (1182–1226) Ralph Vaughan Williams, translated by William Draper (1855–1933) after a melody in Geistliche Kirchengesäng Cologne, 1623 arranged by James O’Donnell)

Cadets will today line the entrances to Westminster Abbey for Prince Philip’s memorial service and a marching band from the Royal Marines will play as guests arrive, Buckingham Palace has revealed. Above: Philip during a visit to Windsor Sea Cadet Unit on April 7, 2014

All sit. The Right Reverend David Conner KCVO, Dean of Windsor, gives the Address. 

The choir sings:

‘We praise thee, O God : we acknowledge thee to be the Lord. All the earth doth worship thee : the Father everlasting. To thee all angels cry aloud : the heavens, and all the powers therein. To thee cherubin, and seraphin : continually do cry, Holy, holy, holy : Lord God of Sabaoth; heaven and earth are full of the majesty : of thy glory. The glorious company of the apostles : praise thee. The goodly fellowship of the prophets : praise thee. The noble army of martyrs : praise thee. The holy Church throughout all the world : doth acknowledge thee; the Father : of an infinite majesty; thine honourable, true : and only Son; also the Holy Ghost : the Comforter. Thou art the King of glory : O Christ. Thou art the everlasting Son : of the Father. When thou tookest upon thee to deliver man : thou didst not abhor the Virgin’s womb. When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death : thou didst open the kingdom of heaven to all believers. Thou sittest at the right hand of God : in the Glory of the Father. We believe that thou shalt come : to be our Judge. We therefore pray thee, help thy servants : whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood. Make them to be numbered with thy saints : in glory everlasting. O Lord, save thy people : and bless thine heritage. Govern them : and lift them up for ever. Day by day : we magnify thee; and we worship thy name : ever world without end. Vouchsafe, O Lord : to keep us this day without sin. O Lord, have mercy upon us : have mercy upon us. O Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us : as our trust is in thee. O Lord, in thee have I trusted : let me never be confounded.’ (Te Deum in C Canticle for Morning Prayer, Benjamin Britten (1913–76) The Book of Common Prayer)

The Reverend Mark Birch, Minor Canon and Precentor, introduces the prayers:

‘Let us give thanks to Almighty God for the life and work of The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and pray for all who honour his legacy and continue his work.’

All sit or kneel. 

The Reverend Kenneth MacKenzie, Minister of Crathie Church, says:

‘Let us give thanks for his service as Consort, liege man of life and limb, and of earthly worship to Her Majesty; for his devotion to family, to Nation and to Commonwealth; for his strength and constancy. O Father of all, we pray thee for those whom we love but see no longer. Grant them thy peace; let light perpetual shine upon them; and, in thy loving wisdom and almighty power, work in them the good purpose of thy perfect will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.’

The Reverend Canon Jonathan Riviere LVO, Rector of Sandringham, says:

‘Let us give thanks for his energy and spirit of adventure; for his work with the young to discover new skills and serve their communities. Let us pray especially for the work of Cadet Forces and all engaged in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Teach us, good Lord, to serve thee as thou deservest; to give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek for rest; to labour and not to ask for any reward, save that of knowing that we do Thy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.’

The Reverend Canon Martin Poll, Chaplain to the Royal Chapel of All Saints, Windsor Great Park, says:

‘Let us give thanks for his work in conservation and the good stewardship of the environment, in bringing together people of many faiths, and in the work of the World Wildlife Fund. Almighty God, whose loving hand hath given us all that we possess in creation; grant us grace that we may honour thee with our substance, and remembering the account which we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of thy bounty; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.’

The Reverend Canon Paul Wright, Sub-Dean of Her Majesty’s Chapels Royal, says:

‘Let us give thanks for his gifts of character; for his humour and resilience; his fortitude and devotion to duty; that we may follow his good example in the service of our fellows. O Lord God, when thou givest to thy servants to endeavour any great matter, grant us also to know that it is not the beginning, but the continuing of the same unto the end, until it be thoroughly finished, which yieldeth the true glory; through him who for the finishing of thy work laid down his life, our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Amen.’

The Reverend Dr James Hawkey, Canon in Residence, says:

‘Let us give thanks to our heavenly Father for all his blessings and mercies, and dedicate ourselves anew to his service. Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we thine unworthy servants do give thee most humble and hearty thanks for all thy goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all men; We bless thee for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for thine inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And we beseech thee, give us that due sense of all thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful, and that we show forth thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives; by giving up ourselves to thy service, and by walking before thee in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.’

All stand to sing:

‘Guide me, O thou great Redeemer, pilgrim through this barren land; I am weak, but thou art mighty; hold me with thy powerful hand: Bread of heaven, feed me till I want no more. Open now the crystal fountain whence the healing stream doth flow; let the fiery cloudy pillar lead me all my journey through: strong Deliverer, be thou still my strength and shield. When I tread the verge of Jordan, bid my anxious fears subside; Death of death, and hell’s Destruction, land me safe on Canaan’s side: songs of praises I will ever give to thee.’ (Cwm Rhondda 368 NEH Arglwydd, arwain trwy’r anialwch, John Hughes (1873–1932) William Williams (1717–91) arranged by James O’Donnell, translated by Peter Williams (1727–96) and others)

The Most Reverend and the Right Honourable Justin Welby, Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate of All England and Metropolitan, gives the Blessing:

‘God grant to the living grace; to the departed rest; to the Church, The Queen, the Commonwealth, and all people, peace and concord; and to us sinners life everlasting; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.’

All sing:

‘God save our gracious Queen, long live our noble Queen, God save The Queen. Send her victorious, happy, and glorious, long to reign over us: God save The Queen.’ (arranged by Gordon Jacob (1895–1984) 

All remain standing as the Procession, together with The Queen and Members of the Royal Family, leaves the Abbey church.

Music after the service 

Allegro molto e ritmico from Sonata Britannica, Charles Villiers Stanford 

The band plays: 

The Seafarers arranged by Michael McDermott 

Members of the congregation are kindly requested to remain in their seats until directed to move by the Honorary Stewards 

The bells of the Abbey church are rung. 

END OF SERVICE