Royal Family News: Why Was Prince Philip Carried To His Funeral On A Land Rover?

British royal family news divulges that Prince Philip was laid to rest today and those watching on tv saw a rather unusual conveyance of his coffin. Instead of a shiny, stately traditional hearse, his coffin traveled on a bronze green Land Rover.

It was the Duke of Edinburgh’s choice, and he had a hand in designing the customized Land Rover which was, “was designed and custom-made to the duke’s specification,” Buckingham Palace said.

Royal Family News – Why Was Prince Philip Carried to His Funeral on a Land Rover?

The royal loved the British-made vehicle and he combined it with a keen interest in engineering and technology to design his final ride.

According to the palace, Philip began the design with the car company 18 years ago. It was based on a Land Rover Defender TD 130 and has an open-top rear section based on Philip’s wishes. It was covered in a dark bronze green on his instructions, the same color the British military uses for many of its Land Rovers.

Royal Family News – Prince Philip Designed A Land Rover

Thierry Bolloré, Jaguar Land Rover’s chief executive, said in a statement released by Buckingham Palace: “We are deeply privileged to have enjoyed a very long and happy association with The Duke of Edinburgh over many decades. We are also honored that the Land Rover which the duke designed will be used at the funeral on Saturday.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said it was apt that Philip would be taken to his funeral in the British-made vehicle.

“That vehicle’s unique and idiosyncratic silhouette reminds the world that he was above all a practical man, who could take something very traditional – whether a machine or indeed a great national institution – and find a way by his own ingenuity to improve it, to adapt it for the 20th or the 21st century,” Johnson said.

Royal Family News – Prince Philip Was Laid To Rest

Prince Philip gave up his driver’s license at the age of 97 in 2019 after being involved in a car crash while he was behind the wheel. Philip walked away unscathed after flipping his Land Rover but the other driver was not so lucky. After the collision a woman in the other car had a broken arm.

Queen Elizabeth and members of the royal family gathered in a solemn and small ceremony today to honor Prince Philip at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.

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