Prince Philip’s Coffin Will Be Carried By A Special Land Rover He Helped Design
Image via Ance K / Shutterstock.com
This Saturday, the world will pay its final respects to the Duke of Edinburgh in a royal ceremonial funeral procession through the grounds of Windsor Castle.
According to The Independent, it’s now understood that the Land Rover being used to transport Prince Philip’s coffin was specially designed with help from him.
As part of a special tribute, the purpose-built vehicle was specially designed to carry a coffin in a project that the Duke participated in more than a decade ago. The vehicle is believed to be a modified version of the Defender 130 Gun Bus.
It was made in deep bronze green, and built onto a galvanized chassis and hand-built rear body according to the Duke’s specifications. The Land Rover will be flanked by pallbearers, including those from the military, while members of the royal family will proceed behind the vehicle on foot.
Before COVID-19, it had been planned for the Land Rover to transport the Duke’s coffin from Wellington Arch in central London to Windsor, with members of the royal family joining the procession part way. However, due to isolation bubbles, all public elements of the funeral have been removed so as to not draw crowds.
“The Duke had a great interest in design so that is where the involvement of the Land Rover comes from,” said a Palace spokesperson. Jaguar Land Rover also paid tribute to Prince Philip, commemorating his “significant contribution to UK manufacturing, engineering, and design.”
Posted by Foley Specialist Vehicles Ltd on Friday, November 16, 2018
An image of a Defender 130 Gun Bus, the Land Rover model of which a modification is said to be carrying Prince Philip’s casket. Image via Foley Specialist Vehicles
We are deeply saddened by the passing of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Our thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen & Royal Family.
— Jaguar Land Rover (@JLR_News) April 9, 2021
The Duke devoted his life to public service & made a significant contribution to UK manufacturing, engineering & design. pic.twitter.com/VQRVUgcZS5
[via The Independent, cover image via Ance K / Shutterstock.com]
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