Queen Elizabeth Bids Tearful Farewell to Prince Philip in Emotional Thanksgiving Service

Queen Elizabeth was overcome with emotion as she paid her final tribute to her beloved husband, Prince Philip, during a moving Thanksgiving service at Westminster Abbey.

Accompanied by members of the royal family, politicians, foreign royals, and charity leaders, the Queen was visibly moved by the occasion.

Princess Beatrice, too, was seen shedding tears and covering her face with her Order of Service.

Taking her seat in Westminster Abbey, where she had married Prince Philip in November 1947, the Queen ensured that her late husband's final wishes were fulfilled.

The Covid-affected funeral had left her sitting alone, devoid of the rousing hymns and guests that he held dear.

With the support of her son, Prince Andrew, the Queen used a stick to make her way to her seat, determined to give Philip the farewell he had desired.

The service was attended by members of the royal family, close friends, and beneficiaries of his charitable endeavors.

A year after Prince Philip's passing, the Queen stood to pray and sing anthems during the 40-minute service, which she had played an active role in preparing.

Prince Andrew remained by her side, offering support as they entered and exited the church.

The Queen's eyes welled up with tears as the 1,800-strong crowd sang the hymn, “‘Guide me, O thy great Redeemer.”

After the service, she walked slowly, leaning on her stick, accompanied by Prince Andrew, towards their waiting Bentley.

Although visibly strained, the Queen regained her composure and waved to onlookers as she arrived and departed.

Inside the packed abbey, the Dean of Windsor paid tribute to Prince Philip's intellect, work ethic, sense of humor, and dedication to his family.

The Right Reverend David Connor described the Duke as a remarkable man who had devoted himself to numerous down-to-earth initiatives.

He acknowledged that the Duke could be blunt at times and had a knack for deflating pomposity and sycophancy, which elicited a small chuckle from Princess Beatrice.

However, she soon broke down in tears, seeking solace behind her Order of Service.

In a subtle tribute to Philip, the Queen, the Duchess of Cornwall, and the Princess Royal all wore dark green, reminiscent of Philip's livery color, Edinburgh green.

The Queen expressed her gratitude for a speech delivered during the service that highlighted the profound impact of Philip's most memorable charitable project on her life and career.

The floral arrangements, at the Queen's request, featured patriotic red, white, and blue colors.

Among them were dendrobium orchids, reminiscent of the Queen's wedding bouquet, and Ernie Guillaume, or Sea Holly, symbolizing Philip's naval career and lifelong affinity for the sea.

The tributes extended to his intellect, work ethic, sense of humor, and unwavering devotion to family and country.

Despite her mobility issues, the Queen arrived at the church's side door, allowing her to traverse a shorter distance from Poets' Corner to her designated spot, surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

Throughout the service, she stood at various points, despite recently admitting her struggles with movement.

Today's service at Westminster Abbey, attended by the majority of Prince Philip's family and senior European royals, stands in stark contrast to the private funeral held at Windsor last April, where the Queen bid farewell to her “strength and stay” after 73 years of marriage.

For the 22-mile journey to the abbey, the Queen chose her second son, Prince Andrew, as her companion in the royal car.

Inside the church, he occupied a front-row seat next to his siblings.

As they made their way through the Abbey, the Queen held onto her son's elbow while relying on her walking stick.

The pace was deliberate, allowing them to focus on the path ahead.

At the end of the aisle, they separated, with Prince Andrew stealing one last glance at his mother before she turned right.

During the service, Prince Charles, seated next to the Queen, leaned over to speak to her, although the content of their conversation remains unknown.

The Queen reached into her black Launer handbag for her glasses to read the order of service.

After the 40-minute ceremony, the Duke of York escorted the Queen out of the Abbey, where she took a moment to greet Doyin Sonibair, a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award holder.

As Andrew stepped back, he broke into a smile.

Following their departure, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall were the first to leave, followed by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

All four royals waved to the crowd before being driven away in black cars.

Throughout the planning process, Queen Elizabeth was actively involved in every aspect of Prince Philip's Thanksgiving service, ensuring that his final wishes were honored.

Westminster Abbey was filled to capacity as the Queen oversaw even the smallest details, such as incorporating orchids from her wedding bouquet into small posies of flowers.

The service prominently featured Prince Philip's beloved sea cadets and young individuals who have participated in his Duke of Edinburgh awards.

Hymns, including “Guide Me O Thy Great Redeemer,” reverberated throughout the Abbey.

While most of Prince Philip's family attended the service, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were notably absent.

Prince Andrew sat to the left of his brother, the Earl of Wessex, with Edward's family, the Countess of Wessex, Lady Louise Windsor, and James Viscount Seven.

On the opposite side of the aisle sat the Princess Royal, her husband Vice-Admiral Sir Tim Lawrence, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, and the Queen.

Prince George and Princess Charlotte joined the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, seated behind the Queen.

Behind Andrew and Edward's family were Peter Phillips, Zara, Mike Tindall, and their daughters.

As Queen Elizabeth bid her final farewell to her husband of 73 years, she displayed immense strength and resilience.

Despite the challenges posed by her mobility issues and the ongoing pandemic, she ensured that Prince Philip's memory was honored in a deeply moving service.