Did any of you watch Prince Philip’s funeral at the weekend. We did and I bet a lot of you did too. Weren’t they lucky with the weather. It couldn’t have been better for them, imagine having to walk all that way in pouring rain and wind, not for the faint hearted. (Photo: Buzzfeed news)
We felt so sorry for the Queen. She looked old and alone as though she had suddenly shrunk and become like the rest of us. She looked so sad that we all felt for her. At the end of the day, she’s just a person like we are. With all the usual hopes, fears, laughter and sadness underneath the pomp and glitz. It seems wrong that she had to display her grief in such a public way. But when you are the monarch you have to do things you may not want to do, like all of us do too.
Prince Philip’s Funeral
We thought it was a very well arranged and dignified funeral, just what Philip wanted, without too much pomp and ceremony when someone like that dies. The thing that will always stick in my mind was the procession following the coffin. The drum beat and all the Royal family marching in step was amazing, in a very atmospheric way, befitting of a funeral march.
The Queen looked so lost on her own. Maybe she wanted to be alone in the last moments with her husband but it still didn’t seem right that she was such a sad figure all by herself.
We’ve all seen the photos of the funeral. You can see her eyes clearly and they looked so sad and wearisome, my heart went out to her. It’s bad enough when we bury someone close but think how awful it must be to have to ‘perform’ as the reigning monarch in front of the world. It must be awful. Tradition and what’s right or not come heavily into the scene. But she’s just a woman, mourning the loss of her life long husband, the father of her children.
The question of William and Harry
Of course, the papers were full of whether William and Harry were together or not. They were very apart in the funeral cortege but together as they made their way back to the Castle. The brothers and Kate were talking, maybe for the benefit of the press. Who knows because I don’t. I think it’s a good job Meghan stayed where she was or it would have been toe-curling embarrassing for a lot of people!
The whole thing was dignified with just the right amount of fuss as the Duke wanted. But what did you think of the choir? We thought they were amazing, especially the soprano who sang superbly, I could have listened to her all day. The acoustics were astonishing and there seemed no effort on the part of any of them to reach the high notes. It gave a perfect sound that lifted the roof.
The silence of generations after Prince Philip’s Funeral
We’d seen previously he was to be taken to the crypt until the death of Elizabeth. I believe then he will be transferred to the King’s Chapel to lie there forever, along with generations of Kings and Queens.
As soon as my lot saw that they said that was just what I want. I don’t fancy having a ton of soil dropped on me or burning to ashes. Ugh, it makes me shudder. I’ve always said that I wanted burying on top of the soil not under it. And not to be burnt to then be thrown on a path or somewhere, to get blown away.
I’ve always said I wanted to stay here and it is legal as long as you go through the correct courses. Now with a small garden like ours, I don’t think they would let me have a crypt or mausoleum do you. But I want to simply dry out, on top of the earth and be there on top not below!
No Frills Funeral
Hubby has always said he can go in the green bin as he wants no fuss at all. While we were watching the funeral, he said that he wanted one of these no-frills no-fuss funerals that are being advertised. You have the minimum funeral and are just disposed of, with an urn of ash returned to your family.
It cuts out the cars, crematorium service and a religious person telling the story of you when they’ve never known you from Adam. He thinks it’s outrageous what funeral companies charge and I have to agree with him on that one. You never know a poor funeral director, do you.
Death is part of life whether we like it or not. Although when you get to the other end of life, it’s a bit spine chilling to know that time is going on too quickly. I think everyone, no matter how old or young they are, should make a will made and take all the necessary steps for the benefit of people who are left to sort things out.
There is more trouble caused with families about who gets what and the money, that it’s best just to save those close to you the hassle and trouble that you get. I’m not being morbid, at all. It’s just what I’ve always said, and to pretend you aren’t ever going to die just leaves trouble and grief for those left behind. Plus which it’s all a lot more palatable (and possibly funny!) if you do it when it’s a distant possibility.
So folks, hopefully next time will be a more cheerful blog – see you all then.
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