The solemn rites, military and liturgical, which comprised the funeral of His late Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh were the antithesis of modern culture.
We were allowed to observe the coffin being placed on the hearse and the drama of that slow procession to Saint George's Chapel without television commentary, without any mobile phones etc. All those present were silent. A funeral march was played by the military bands to the steady beat of a drum and the occasional explosion of cannon. It was dignified, respectful, solemn, fitting. No one taking part felt the need to express individuality : all were part of a tradition, where the focus was on the deceased, not the living.
Prince Philip was baptised in the Greek Orthodox Church. In his own words, he became an Anglican, but he remained Orthodox. Let us pray for the repose of his soul and for the comfort of his widow, Her Majesty the Queen.
