Update: Slippedisc reports that soprano Miriam Allan, Tom Liliburn, Nick Madden and Simon Whiteley were the four singers at the funeral in St George’s chapel.
Buckingham Palace has released the order of service for the funeral of Prince Philip. The service at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle was conducted by the Dean of Windsor, with the Archbishop of Canterbury pronouncing the blessing. Much of the music was chosen by Prince Philip.
The funeral took place at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor
Music before the service
- Schmucke dich, o liebe Seele BWV 654 – Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
- Adagio espressivo (Sonata in A minor) – Sir William Harris (1883-1973)
- Salix (The Plymouth Suite) – Percy Whitlock (1903-1946)
- Berceuse (Op 31 No. 19) – Louis Vierne (1870-1937)
- Rhosymedre (Three Preludes founded on Welsh Hymn Tunes) – Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)
During the service, a choir of four singers, three of whom are lay clerks of St. George’s Chapel choir, were conducted by James Vivian. The organ was played by Luke Bond, assistant director of music at St. George’s Chapel.
One-minute national silence
All stood as the coffin was removed from the Land Rover and is carried to the West Steps where it rested at 15:00 GMT for the one-minute national silence.
The sentences
I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. John 11. 25-26
I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another. Job 19. 25-27
We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. 1 Timothy 6. 7, Job 1. 21 William Croft (1678-1727)
The bidding
The Dean of Windsor said the bidding: “We are here today in St. George’s Chapel to commit into the hands of God the soul of his servant Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. With grateful hearts, we remember the many ways in which his long life has been a blessing to us.
“We have been inspired by his unwavering loyalty to our Queen, by his service to the Nation and the Commonwealth, by his courage, fortitude and faith. Our lives have been enriched through the challenges that he has set us, the encouragement that he has given us, his kindness, humour and humanity. We therefore pray that God will give us grace to follow his example, and that, with our brother Philip, at the last, we shall know the joys of life eternal.”
Hymns and prayers
All sat as the choir sang Melita by J B Dykes (1823-76) and William Whiting (1825-78) arranged by James Vivian (b. 1974)
The first lesson Ecclesiasticus 43. 11-26 was read by the Dean of Windsor.
All remain seated as the choir sang the Jubilate by Benjamin Britten (1913-76), in C, written for St. George’s Chapel, Windsor, at the request of the Duke of Edinburgh.
All remained seated for the second lesson, II John 21-27 read by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
All remained seated as the choir sang Psalm 104, which the Duke of Edinburgh requested should be set to music by William Lovelady. Originally composed as a cantata in three movements, it was first sung in honour of the duke’s 75th birthday.
The choir sang the Lesser Litany and sat or kneeled for the Lord’s Prayer and responses. The Dean of Windsor and the Archbishop of Canterbury led a number of prayers.
The choir sang the anthem Russian Kontakion of the Departed, translated by William John Birkbeck (1859-1916); Kiev Melody arranged by Sir Walter Parratt, KCVO (1841-1924).
All stood as the coffin was lowered into the Royal Vault, the Dean of Windsor shall say the commendation. Garter Principal King of Arms proclaimed the styles and titles of HRH The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh.
The national anthem
The pipe major of The Royal Regiment of Scotland played A Lament.
The buglers of the Royal Marines sounded The Last Post.
After a period of silence, the State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry sounded Reveille.
The buglers of the Royal Marines sounded Action Stations.
Then the Archbishop of Canterbury pronounced the blessing.
All remain standing as the choir sang the national anthem.
All remained standing in their places as the Queen, members of the Royal Family and the Duke of Edinburgh’s family left the chapel via the Galilee Porch, escorted by the Dean of Windsor and the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Music after the service
Luke Bond played Prelude and Fugue in C minor BWV 546 by Johann Sebastian Bach.
