Queen sits alone at Prince Philip’s funeral
Even in grief, Queen Elizabeth II set an example amid the coronavirus pandemic, sitting alone during the funeral service of her husband, Prince Philip, who was laid to rest Saturday with a ceremony steeped in military and royal tradition that honored his lifetime of service and his wife.
Rather than the 800 mourners planned to attend the ceremony, only 30 people were allowed inside St. George’s Chapel amid coronavirus restrictions.
The flag at Holyrood Palace flies at half mast for Britain’s Prince Philip in Edinburgh, Scotland. Saturday, April 17, 2021. Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, died Friday April 9 aged 99. His funeral service is taking place at St. George’s Chapel inside Windsor Castle Saturday. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
A warden stands with police officers standing guard behind him outside the King Henry VIII Gate of Windsor Castle, ahead of the funeral of Britain’s Prince Philip in Windsor, England, Saturday, April 17, 2021. Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. Coronavirus restrictions mean there will be only 30 mourners for the service, including the widowed queen, her four children and her eight grandchildren. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
People wait by barriers outside Windsor Castle ahead of the funeral of Britain’s Prince Philip in Windsor, England, Saturday, April 17, 2021. Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. Coronavirus restrictions mean there will be only 30 mourners for the service, including the widowed queen, her four children and her eight grandchildren. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Soldiers walk through the entrance of the Windsor Castle ahead of the funeral of Britain’s Prince Philip in Windsor, England, Saturday, April 17, 2021. Prince Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. (Hannah McKay/Pool via AP)
Soldiers arrive at the Windsor Castle ahead of the funeral of Britain’s Prince Philip in Windsor, England, Saturday, April 17, 2021. Prince Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. (Hannah McKay/Pool via AP)
Flowers are placed for the funeral of Britain’s Prince Philip outside the Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, Saturday, April 17, 2021. Prince Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. (Hannah McKay/Pool via AP)
A man wears a face covering with a picture of the Duke of Edinburgh as he walks along the Long Walk in Windsor, Saturday, April 17, 2021. Britain’s Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, died Friday April 9, aged 99, his funeral service takes place at Windsor Castle in St George’s Chapel. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Soldiers walk at the Windsor Castle ahead of the funeral of Britain’s Prince Philip in Windsor, England, Saturday, April 17, 2021. Prince Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. (Hannah McKay/Pool via AP)
Police patrol the Long Walk leading to Windsor Castle, Windsor, England, Saturday, April 17, 2021, ahead of Britain’s Prince Philip’s funeral. Britain’s Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, died Friday April 9, aged 99, his funeral service takes place at Windsor Castle in St George’s Chapel. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Police guards the Long Walk in Windsor, Saturday, April 17, 2021. Britain’s Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, died Friday April 9, aged 99, his funeral service takes place at Windsor Castle in St George’s Chapel. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
A man wears a face covering with a picture of the Duke of Edinburgh as he walks along the Long Walk in Windsor, Saturday, April 17, 2021. Britain’s Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, died Friday April 9, aged 99, his funeral service takes place at Windsor Castle in St George’s Chapel. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, right, arrives at the Windsor Castle ahead of the funeral of Britain’s Prince Philip in Windsor, England, Saturday, April 17, 2021. Prince Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. (Hannah McKay/Pool via AP)
People wait by barriers outside Windsor Castle ahead of the funeral of Britain’s Prince Philip in Windsor, England, Saturday, April 17, 2021. Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. Coronavirus restrictions mean there will be only 30 mourners for the service, including the widowed queen, her four children and her eight grandchildren. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
People wait by barriers outside Windsor Castle ahead of the funeral of Britain’s Prince Philip in Windsor, England, Saturday, April 17, 2021. Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. Coronavirus restrictions mean there will be only 30 mourners for the service, including the widowed queen, her four children and her eight grandchildren. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
A woman takes a photo of a screen displaying photos of the late Duke of Edinburgh, at Piccadilly Circus, in London, Saturday, April 17, 2021. Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, died Friday April 9 aged 99. His funeral service will take place at St. George’s Chapel inside Windsor Castle Saturday. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)
Police guards the Long Walk in Windsor, Saturday, April 17, 2021. Britain’s Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, died Friday April 9, aged 99, his funeral service takes place at Windsor Castle in St George’s Chapel. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
A man raises a bowler hat to The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery as they ride towards Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, Saturday, April 17, 2021, ahead of the funeral of Britain’s Prince Philip. Prince Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. (Andrew Matthews/PA via AP)
People gather ahead of the funeral of Britain’s Prince Philip in Windsor, England Saturday April 17, 2021. Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. Coronavirus restrictions mean there will be only 30 mourners for the service, including the widowed queen, her four children and her eight grandchildren. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Soldiers walk through the entrance of the Windsor Castle ahead of the funeral of Britain’s Prince Philip in Windsor, England, Saturday, April 17, 2021. Prince Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. (Hannah McKay/Pool via AP)
Images of Britain’s Prince Philip are displayed on a giant screen at Piccadilly Circus, London Saturday, April 17, 2021. Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, died Friday April 9 aged 99. His funeral service is taking place at St. George’s Chapel inside Windsor Castle Saturday. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)
Flowers are placed for the funeral of Britain’s Prince Philip at the Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, Saturday, April 17, 2021. Prince Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. (Hannah McKay/Pool via AP)
People take photos of a screen displaying photos of the late Duke of Edinburgh, at Piccadilly Circus, in London, Saturday, April 17, 2021. Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, died Friday April 9 aged 99. His funeral service will take place at St. George’s Chapel inside Windsor Castle Saturday. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)
A policeman stands next to the flowers which placed for the funeral of Britain’s Prince Philip at the Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, Saturday, April 17, 2021. Prince Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. (Hannah McKay/Pool via AP)
A policeman walks next to the flowers which placed for the funeral of Britain’s Prince Philip at the Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, Saturday, April 17, 2021. Prince Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. (Hannah McKay/Pool via AP)
King’s Troup Royal Horse Artillery rides towards Windsor Castle in Windsor, Saturday, April 17, 2021. Britain’s Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, died Friday April 9, aged 99, his funeral service takes place at Windsor Castle in St George’s Chapel. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
People walk in the park near the Long Walk in Windsor, England, Saturday, April 17, 2021, ahead of Britain’s Prince Philip’s funeral. Britain’s Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, died Friday April 9, aged 99, his funeral service takes place at Windsor Castle in St George’s Chapel. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
People wait ahead of the funeral of Britain’s Prince Philip in Windsor, England Saturday April 17, 2021. Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. Coronavirus restrictions mean there will be only 30 mourners for the service, including the widowed queen, her four children and her eight grandchildren. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Flags fly at half mast outside of the Scottish Parliament building in Edinburgh, Scotland. Saturday, April 17, 2021. Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, died Friday April 9 aged 99. His funeral service is taking place at St. George’s Chapel inside Windsor Castle Saturday. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
Soldiers arrive at the Windsor Castle ahead of the funeral of Britain’s Prince Philip in Windsor, England, Saturday, April 17, 2021. Prince Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. (Hannah McKay/Pool via AP)
King’s Troup Royal Horse Artillery rides towards Windsor Castle in Windsor, Saturday, April 17, 2021. Britain’s Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, died Friday April 9, aged 99, his funeral service takes place at Windsor Castle in St George’s Chapel. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Images of Britain’s Prince Philip are displayed on a giant screen at Piccadilly Circus, London Saturday, April 17, 2021. Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, died Friday April 9 aged 99. His funeral service is taking place at St. George’s Chapel inside Windsor Castle Saturday. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)
A woman wears a face covering with a picture of the Duke of Edinburgh as he walks along the Long Walk in Windsor, Saturday, April 17, 2021. Britain’s Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, died Friday April 9, aged 99, his funeral service takes place at Windsor Castle in St George’s Chapel. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Wardens stand lined up, with police officers standing guard behind them outside the King Henry VIII Gate of Windsor Castle, ahead of the funeral of Britain’s Prince Philip in Windsor, England, Saturday, April 17, 2021. Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. Coronavirus restrictions mean there will be only 30 mourners for the service, including the widowed queen, her four children and her eight grandchildren. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Families have a picnic at the Long Walk in Windsor, Saturday, April 17, 2021. Britain’s Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, died Friday April 9, aged 99, his funeral service takes place at Windsor Castle in St George’s Chapel. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery ride towards Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, Saturday, April 17, 2021, ahead of the funeral of Britain’s Prince Philip. Prince Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
People watch as King’s Troup Royal Horse Artillery rides towards Windsor Castle in Windsor, Saturday, April 17, 2021. Britain’s Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, died Friday April 9, aged 99, his funeral service takes place at Windsor Castle in St George’s Chapel. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Young sailors at the Duke of Edinburgh’s former school, Gordonstoun in Moray, Scotland, lead a tribute aboard the school’s 80ft sail training boat Ocean Spirit of Moray, Saturday April 17, 2021, on the day of the funeral of Britain’s Prince Philip. Prince Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. (Jane Barlow/PA via AP)
People sit near a screen displaying photos of the late Duke of Edinburgh, at Piccadilly Circus, in London, Saturday, April 17, 2021. Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, died Friday April 9 aged 99. His funeral service will take place at St. George’s Chapel inside Windsor Castle Saturday. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)
Britain’s Prince Philip’s insignias, the Order of Australian Knight, the Order of New Zealand, the order of Canada, the Canada Order of Military Merit, and the Papua New Guinea Order of Logohu, are placed on the altar in St George’s Chapel, Windsor, England, Friday April 16, 2021, ahead of his funeral on Saturday. Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. (Steve Parsons/Pool via AP)
Artist Kaya Mar holds a portrait of Prince Philip ahead of the Prince’s funeral in Windsor, England Saturday April 17, 2021. Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. Coronavirus restrictions mean there will be only 30 mourners for the service, including the widowed queen, her four children and her eight grandchildren. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Media wait ahead of the funeral of Britain’s Prince Philip in Windsor, England Saturday April 17, 2021. Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. Coronavirus restrictions mean there will be only 30 mourners for the service, including the widowed queen, her four children and her eight grandchildren. (Frank Augstein)
Cards written by children amongst the coral tribute to Prince Philip outside Window castle in Windsor, England, Friday, April 16, 2021. Prince Philip husband of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II died April 9, aged 99, his funeral will take place Saturday at Windsor Castle in St George’s Chapel. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Britain’s Prince Philip The Duke of Edinburgh’s driving carriage and his two Fell ponies, named Balmoral Nevis and Notlaw Storm, pictured at Windsor Castle, Windsor, England, Friday April 16, 2021. Prince Philip’s love of carriage-driving is to be a central feature of his funeral on upcoming Saturday April 17, when the carriage and ponies will be present with two of his grooms in the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle during the procession. The four wheeled carriage was designed by Prince Philip eight years ago. Prince Philip died at the age of 99 on April 9. (Steve Parsons/Pool via AP)
A soldier stands outside the Windsor Castle ahead of the funeral of Britain’s Prince Philip in Windsor, England, Saturday, April 17, 2021. Prince Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. (Hannah McKay/Pool via AP)
A man walks past a portrait of Britain’s Prince Philip ahead of his funeral in Windsor, England Saturday April 17, 2021. Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. Coronavirus restrictions mean there will be only 30 mourners for the service, including the widowed queen, her four children and her eight grandchildren. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
In this 2003 photo released by Buckingham Palace Friday April 16, 2021, a personal photograph of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh at the top of the Coyles of Muick, Scotland, in this photo taken by Sophie The Countess of Wessex in 2003. (The Countess of Wessex/Buckingham Palace via AP)
Military personnel in parade dress uniform march ahead of the funeral of Britain’s Prince Philip inside Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, Saturday, April 17, 2021. Prince Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. (Justin Tallis/Pool via AP)
Troopers of the house hold cavalry march past St George’s chapel in Windsor as preparations are started for the funeral of Britain Prince Philip’s at Windsor Castle, England, Saturday April 17, 2021. Prince Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. (/Pool via AP)
Soldiers arrive at the Windsor Castle ahead of the funeral of Britain’s Prince Philip in Windsor, England, Saturday, April 17, 2021. Prince Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. (Hannah McKay/Pool via AP)
Everton players observe a two minute’s silence in memory of the Prince Philip, following the announcement of his death at the age of 99, ahead of the English Premier League soccer match between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park in Liverpool, England, Friday, April 16, 2021. (AP Photo/Jon Super, Pool)
A police officer waits outside a souvenir shop ahead of the funeral of Britain’s Prince Philip in Windsor, England Saturday April 17, 2021. Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. Coronavirus restrictions mean there will be only 30 mourners for the service, including the widowed queen, her four children and her eight grandchildren. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Armed police walk past artist Kaya Mar who holds a portrait of Prince Philip ahead of the Prince’s funeral in Windsor, England Saturday April 17, 2021. Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. Coronavirus restrictions mean there will be only 30 mourners for the service, including the widowed queen, her four children and her eight grandchildren. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
British police wait outside a souvenir shop ahead of the funeral of Britain’s Prince Philip in Windsor, England Saturday April 17, 2021. Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. Coronavirus restrictions mean there will be only 30 mourners for the service, including the widowed queen, her four children and her eight grandchildren. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Britain’s Prince Philip’s insignias are placed on the altar in St George’s Chapel, Windsor, Friday April 16, 2021, ahead of his funeral on Saturday. Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. (Steve Parsons/Pool via AP)
The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery arriving at Windsor Castle in preparation for the Gun Salute on the palace grounds, before the funeral of Britain’s Prince Philip, in Windsor, England, Saturday, April 17, 2021. Prince Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. (Antonio Olmos/Pool photo via AP)
A picture of Britain’s Prince Philip with Queen Elizabeth ahead of his funeral in Windsor, England Saturday April 17, 2021. Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. Coronavirus restrictions mean there will be only 30 mourners for the service, including the widowed queen, her four children and her eight grandchildren. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
The Grenadier Guards make their way past the Round Tower during the funeral of Britain’s Prince Philip inside Windsor Castle in Windsor, England Saturday April 17, 2021. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)
Police inspect the walk ahead of the funeral of Britain’s Prince Philip in Windsor, England Saturday April 17, 2021. Philip died April 9 at the age of 99 after 73 years of marriage to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. Coronavirus restrictions mean there will be only 30 mourners for the service, including the widowed queen, her four children and her eight grandchildren. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
The guest list included the queen, her four children and her eight grandchildren. She sat apart from family members. Other royals sat in family bubbles together arrayed around the gothic chapel.
The queen sat at the front, nearest the altar, the BBC reported. Closest to her was the Duke of York, who was seated two seats to her left.
The procession and service took place out of public view and within the grounds of the 950-year-old castle.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
