Prince Philip’s coffin lowered into Royal Vault by electric motor

In a never-before-seen TV moment watched by millions around the globe, Prince Philip’s coffin was lowered into a 200-year-old vault under St George’s Chapel.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s coffin was lowered by an electric motor at his funeral ceremony, and this was watched live on television, representing a first in British Royal history.

According to royal observers, the operation, which saw the coffin sunk under the floor of the quire at St George’s Chapel in Windsor, is usually done in private.

The thought of it being broadcast, according to Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty magazine, is “unique.”

He explained, “Clearly, it’s an intimate moment, usually only witnessed by the royal family.”

After millions tuning in to see Prince Philip’s last ride, the BBC and Sky News broadcasted the touching moment.

Although television footage did not catch the whole process, it did show the Duke of Edinburgh’s coffin being moved down.

As the touching moment happened at the conclusion of the 50-minute service at Windsor Castle, the Queen and other royals watched on.

As it was sunk into the Royal Vault, the Duke’s “styles and titles” were read out loud  by the Garter King of Arms.

The naval call to arms, Action Stations, was played, as Philip had requested.

Philip’s body was placed on a catafalque in the vault, covered with his own standard and adorned with a wreath of flowers, as well as his Naval cap and sword.

The duke personally picked the regalia, which was pre-positioned on nine cushions on the altar throughout the ceremony, along with his Royal Air Force wings and Field Marshal’s baton.

The king’s coffin was lowered into the vault during George VI’s funeral in 1952, but the ceremonies were not broadcast, so the operating process of the motor has never been broadcast before, according to Mr Little.

The Duke of Edinburgh, who died on April 9 at the age of 99, is the 25th royal to be buried in the Royal Vault.

Once the Queen passes on, he will be buried alongside his faithful partner of 73 years in the Gothic church’s King George VI memorial chapel.

It was the first time the queen, who has been mourning for her devoted lover of 73 years, has been officially seen in public since Philip died eight days earlier, dressed in a face mask and sombre black.

As the national anthem was sung, the Queen made her way from the Sovereign’s Entrance in the State Bentley to enter the ceremonial funeral procession, accompanied by her faithful lady-in-waiting Lady Susan Hussey.