Prince Philip lifts his hat during his final public engagement in 2017 with his beloved Royal Marines, whose leaders will help carry Philip's coffin today
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The Jaguar Land Rover that will be used to transport the coffin of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at his funeral. He helped design it himself
Lt Alec Heywood will lead the unit from The Queen's Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards as it moves the coffin from Windsor Castle's private chapel to the inner hall before the start of the funeral procession.
As a third generation Grenadier Guard Lt Heywood's family have a long history of service in the British Army. His grandfather captained The Queen's Company at George VI's funeral and the Queen's Coronation in 1953.
Lieutenant Alec Heywood, a third generation Grenadier Guard, will command the Grenadier Guards bearer party. His grandfather was the captain of The Queen's Company at George VI's funeral in 1952 and the Queen's Coronation a year later.
The Duke of Edinburgh's beloved Royal Marines will accompany his funeral on its final journey.
Commandant General Royal Marines Major General Matthew Holmes will also walk alongside the hearse during the procession.
Philip's first major appointment after his naval career ended in 1953 was as commander of the marines. His grandson Prince Harry took the role in 2017 until the Queen stripped him of all his titles when he quit as a frontline royal with his wife Meghan Markle.
Other pallbearers include Brigadier Ian Mortimer, Colonel of The Queen's Royal Hussars, Lieutenant General Roland 'Roly' Walker, Regimental Lieutenant Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, and Brigadier James Roddis, Deputy Colonel of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Lieutenant General Paul Jaques, Master General of the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), the regiment who helped Philip design his Land Rover hearse, will also help carry the coffin, as will Lieutenant General Sir James Hockenhull, Colonel Commandant of the Intelligence Corps, and Group Captain Nick Worrall, Station Commander RAF Northolt Group.
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Commandant General Royal Marines Major General Matthew Holmes will also walk alongside the hearse during the procession. Group Captain Nick Worrall, Station Commander RAF Northolt Group, will also accompany the coffin
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The British army's Lt. Gen. Paul Jaques (centre), Master General of the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), the regiment who helped Philip design his Land Rover hearse, will also help carry the coffin
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Other pallbearers include Brigadier Ian Mortimer (left), Colonel of The Queen's Royal Hussars, Lieutenant General Roland 'Roly' Walker, and Lieutenant General Sir James Hockenhull (right), Colonel Commandant of the Intelligence Corps
Military duties begin hours before the funeral at 3pm on Saturday afternoon, with Philip's coffin - covered with his personal standard and surmounted with his sword, naval cap and a wreath of flowers - moved at 11am by a Bearer Party found by The Queen's Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, from the private chapel to the inner hall of Windsor Castle.
By 2.15pm, the service detachments recognising Philip's special military relationships will be in position in the Quadrangle, which will also be lined by the Household Cavalry and The Foot Guards.
The Band of the Grenadier Guards, of which Philip was Colonel for 42 years, will lead the procession to St George's Chapel.
They will be followed by the Major General's Party, and then the Service Chiefs, which will include the Chief of the Air Staff, Naval Staff and Defence Staff.
Philip had a distinguished career in the Royal Navy and while he gave up active service in 1951, he remained closely connected to it and other military elements throughout his public life.
The coffin, transported from the castle to the chapel in a specially-modified Land Rover Philip helped to design, will be flanked by pallbearers drawn from the duke's special relationships - the Royal Marines, regiments, corps and air stations.
The route of the procession will be lined by representatives drawn from the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the Highlanders, 4th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland and the RAF.
Minute Guns will be fired by The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery from the East Lawn for the duration of the procession and a Curfew Tower Bell will sound.
As the procession approaches Horseshoe Cloister, the Band of the Grenadier Guards will stop playing and march through into Denton's Commons.
The Rifles Guard of Honour, positioned in Horseshoe Cloister, will give a royal salute and the national anthem will be played.
In tribute to Philip's Naval service, a Royal Naval Piping Party of 1 Chief Petty Officer and 5 Ratings will be present.
The piping party will pipe the 'Still' once the Land Rover is stationery at the foot of the steps.
A bearing party of Royal Marines will carry the coffin up the steps and pause for a minute's silence.
The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Dean of Windsor will receive the coffin.
Inside the chapel, Philip's insignia - the medals and decorations conferred on him by the UK and Commonwealth countries - together with his Field Marshal's baton, Royal Air Force Wings, and insignia from Denmark and Greece, will be pre-positioned on cushions on the altar.
The Last Post will be sounded by buglers of the Royal Marines from the west end of the Nave.
Buglers of the Royal Marines will sound Action Stations during the service at the duke's request.
It is played on a warship to signal all hands should go to battle stations and is sometimes featured at funerals of naval men.
Members of the royal family will not wear military uniform, but instead the royal men will wear morning coats with their medals while the women will wear day dresses.
She's left Buckingham Palace for Windsor, is allotting mementoes from Philip to family, writing to friends on black-rimmed cards... and a 'soft' new regency by Charles has already begun. RICHARD KAY's remarkable portrait of Her Majesty as a widow
They had spent their last weeks 'reminiscing like mad', sifting through family photographs and old cine camera film which the duke had had digitised.
Mostly they just chatted, especially after Philip's return from hospital when his failing health meant he slept for much of the day.
Only once did they seriously disagree when the Queen suggested they might look at some of her husband's oil paintings. Philip firmly refused.
But for the Covid pandemic which had brought them together in a protective bubble at Windsor, these precious moments might have been denied to them. Until last year, they had almost got used to not being together.
One day, not long after Prince Philip's retirement and when he was living alone at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate, the Queen had remarked to one of her Windsor staff: 'Do you know, I haven't seen him for six weeks.'
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They had spent their last weeks 'reminiscing like mad', sifting through family photographs and old cine camera film which the duke had had digitised, writes RICHARD KAY of the Queen and Prince Philip
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Anyone who reaches the Queen's great age must brace themselves for personal loss. And it is certainly true that she had been preparing herself for some time for the day Philip would no longer be there — not that it made it any easier when that moment came on Friday of last week
Anyone who reaches the Queen's great age must brace themselves for personal loss.
And it is certainly true that she had been preparing herself for some time for the day Philip would no longer be there — not that it made it any easier when that moment came on Friday of last week.
For so long that phrase 'my husband and I' had been synonymous with the Queen and the loyal consort always at her side.
Now, and for the rest of her life, she will reign alone — and many wonder what kind of monarch she will be for these twilight years of this second Elizabethan age.
The last widow on the throne was Queen Victoria but she was just 42 when Prince Albert died and for several years grief turned her into a virtual recluse.
As keenly as Philip's death is felt, there will be no such lengthy period of public sorrowing for the Queen. Indeed there is every chance she will resume official engagements sooner rather than later.
But as we are discovering this will be a form of royal mourning unlike any other.
Earlier this week the Queen returned to duty to pay a formal farewell to her lord chamberlain of the past 15 years, Earl Peel, when he returned his instruments of office.
And yesterday she carried out two more engagements on Commonwealth business, an electronic audience with the Canadian premier Justin Trudeau and the Governor-General of Australia, David Hurley.
There will be change, however. Much will depend on Prince Charles and Prince William who already have accumulated many of the Queen's duties and will take on more.
Charles, for example, is now keeping an eye on the running of the Duchy of Lancaster, the ancient estate of land, property and other assets from which the Queen's private income derives.
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One day, not long after Prince Philip's retirement and when he was living alone at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate, the Queen had remarked to one of her Windsor staff: 'Do you know, I haven't seen him for six weeks'
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Now, and for the rest of her life, she will reign alone — and many wonder what kind of monarch she will be for these twilight years of this second Elizabethan age
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As keenly as Philip's death is felt, there will be no such lengthy period of public sorrowing for the Queen. Indeed there is every chance she will resume official engagements sooner rather than later
Both the Prince of Wales and his son have also been involved in the so-called 'bridge meetings' with senior palace staff who are overseeing this next chapter in the Queen's life.
One thing is certain: Windsor now will become the centre of royal life.
Staff have been told that the castle will be the Queen's permanent home (barring Christmas holidays at Sandringham and summers in Balmoral) and that while she will return to work at Buckingham Palace, it is unlikely she will ever spend another night there.
Queen finds comfort with her corgis: Monarch is seen for first time since Philip's death as she drives to Frogmore Gardens to take her two new puppies for a walk on eve of his funeral
The Queen drew comfort ahead of her husband's funeral by walking her corgi and her dorgi this afternoon as it was revealed she is 'bearing up well' despite grieving Philip after 73 years of marriage.
Her Majesty, 94, who was seen for the first time since his death, drove her green Jaguar X-type through the grounds of Windsor Castle, where the Duke of Edinburgh will be laid to rest at St George's Chapel tomorrow.
In a poignant scene, a single Queen's Guard stood to attention as the monarch drove away with her two puppies from the castle towards Frogmore Gardens, close to where her grandson Prince Harry is believed to be self-isolating at Frogmore Cottage.
It came as an emotional Prince Edward, his wife Sophie and their 17-year-old daughter Lady Louise Windsor arrived at Windsor to support the Queen and inspect floral tributes left for Prince Philip by mourners outside the church where he will be laid to rest tomorrow.
MailOnline can reveal that Her Majesty is 'bearing up well' as today she personally signs-off on the final preparations for her husband's funeral having ordered William and Harry not to walk shoulder to shoulder behind their grandfather's coffin when he is laid to rest.
The estranged brothers are both in the small party of close family members - all male apart from Princess Anne - who will follow the Duke of Edinburgh's body, but they will be separated by their cousin, Peter Phillips, on the eight minute walk from Windsor Castle to church.
If weekly audiences with the Prime Minister are permitted post-Covid to resume, this means Mr Johnson will have to travel from Downing Street to Windsor, while ambassadors and high commissioners may also have to present their official credentials there too.
But to smooth diplomatic channels this is one function that with the greater authority conferred on Charles, he may take over and handle himself from Buckingham Palace.
One thing the Queen won't do is step down in favour of her son; there are no plans for a regency.
But the virus which forced the Queen and Prince Philip to retreat from public life for long periods shielding at Windsor with a small staff known as HMS Bubble, has meant adjustments.
Tellingly it was Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall who carried out the first royal engagement this year, visiting a hospital named after his mother.
Was this the beginning, perhaps of a soft regency in which the Queen does not technically stand down but Charles takes on ever more of her responsibilities?
In one of his few public comments on this controversial issue the prince has insisted his mother should only retire in the event of mental or physical incapacity.
'Queen Victoria in her 80s was much loved, more known, more revered than at any time in her reign,' he told the writer Kenneth Harris. 'Much would have been lost had she stepped back before her prime.'
He might easily have been talking about his mother. As for the Queen, the constitutional expert Dr Robert Morris once said: 'As long as she can raise her hand or twitch an eyebrow, that should be enough.'
And in the sunset of her reign it is certainly the case that she has seemed more accessible, more witty and more wise than perhaps at any time.
Nothing illustrated her unique ability to divine the mood of the nation better than that televised broadcast she made in March last year with the country gripped by fear of the pandemic.
Her message of reassurance and calm was down to her innate sense — born of long experience — of what to do and say.
And then there is humour. Just the other day she brought laughter to a group of scientists during a Zoom meeting after they asked her what Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space, was like when she met him 60 years ago.
'Russian,' she deadpanned before breaking into a smile.
Inevitably, with the death of Philip, Britain is tiptoeing towards thoughts of a new reign.
The funeral today, choreographed by her late husband but tweaked by the Queen to avoid rancour – the instruction for mourners not to wear military uniforms to avoid a furore over Prince Harry, for example – will reflect that changing order.
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For the Queen Philip's absence will be profound. In the days and weeks ahead the goodwill and gratitude that people feel for her personally after nearly 70 years on the throne will perhaps be her greatest comfort
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One thing is certain: Windsor now will become the centre of royal life. Staff have been told that the castle will be the Queen's permanent home
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While she will return to work at Buckingham Palace, it is unlikely she will ever spend another night there
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The funeral today, choreographed by her late husband but tweaked by the Queen to avoid rancour – the instruction for mourners not to wear military uniforms to avoid a furore over Prince Harry, for example – will reflect that changing order
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The minute-by-minute arrangements for Prince Philip's funeral on Saturday have been revealed and are shown above, starting at 11am and finishing just after 3pm
Buckingham Palace releases Duke of Edinburgh's order of service
Intriguingly, over the course of lockdown many of Her Majesty's private papers have been brought from London to Windsor and this will now include personal possessions.
For the next month at least the Queen will draw on a supply of black-edged writing paper for all her correspondence, in line with royal tradition, and just as she did after the death of the Queen Mother in 2002.
There will be a lot of letters of condolence to acknowledge. The postbag is said by staff to be huge and growing every day.
She will wear black clothes and observe court mourning — but not for long. One idea among courtiers is of an exhibition to highlight the Duke of Edinburgh's contribution to the life of the nation.
This could mean those fabled oils he was reluctant to look at again being put on show.
What won't change, of course, will be the royal in-tray.
The fallout from Harry and Meghan's departure from royal life amid their incendiary claims of racism and the unsettling future of Prince Andrew over his friendship with the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Even after his retirement and unwillingness to be directly involved, Philip was a consoling figure in all these dramas.
Sustained by her deep faith, she will doubtless be a study in regal composure throughout today's sad event.
Although she has spoken to her children and grandchildren this week, she has spent much of the time alone.
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For the next month at least the Queen will draw on a supply of black-edged writing paper for all her correspondence, in line with royal tradition, and just as she did after the death of the Queen Mother in 2002
But this has been her choice and it has allowed her to have moments of prayer in the private chapel, barely a minute's walk down the Green Corridor from her rooms, where Philip's coffin has rested.
For now everything is as it was just over a week ago. But in time there will be activity in the suite of rooms which adjoins her as an inventory is compiled of her husband's property, uniforms and clothes.
'I think she will want to keep a lot of familiar things in place which seems only natural,' says a source.
Practical as ever Philip had handled much of this sorting out himself in recent years, checking through papers he felt should go to the Windsor archive and destroying those that should not.
'He always said she must carry on and I am sure that is exactly what she will do,' says a lady in waiting.
There are bequests to arrange, special mementoes that Philip has left not just for his children and grandchildren but also for members of his German family, who will be represented at the funeral.
Princess Anne, for example, is said to have been earmarked a painting of her with her father during a Cowes regatta week.
There will be decisions to take over Philip's devoted servants who the Queen acknowledges made her husband's final years the comfortable retirement he had deserved.
Some will retire while others will be offered positions elsewhere in the royal household.
And when it comes to conducting herself, there is a template, that of the Queen Mother.
She, of course, was a widow at 52 with decades of life ahead of her. The loss of her husband also meant the surrendering of her status as Queen and the trappings of monarchy.
One of the first things she did was to buy her own home, the Castle of Mey, which became a refuge in her grief.
Then at the urging of her daughter, who so badly needed her guidance and of the then Prime Minister Winston Churchill, the Queen Mother put aside personal desolation to continue with her life of service and duty.
Somehow it seems unlikely Boris Johnson will be asking the Queen to resume work. She will do so anyway.
But on a personal level, Philip's death robs her of the man who was not just her husband, confidant and wise counsel but also her gatekeeper.
'Who now will protect her when Prince Andrew comes asking for more money?' says one of her long time aides.
'When the Queen complained out loud of her children, 'Why do they always bring their troubles to me?' Philip always stepped in.'
Theirs was a relationship quite unlike any other. When her children and adult grandchildren come to call, it is always with formality — a kiss and a curtsy or a bow, even in private. Only Philip put his arm around her.
In this last year, brought together because of the covid crisis and before Philip's most recent illness, they were as close as they had been for years.
For one palace aide who found himself called in to wait on the couple because of staff shortages caused by the pandemic, it was an eye-opener.
'They bickered with one another. It was sweet but so unexpected. On one occasion I heard the duke say 'Oh do shut up you silly woman' and the Queen replied 'I am not a silly woman, I am the Queen!'
'I couldn't believe my ears but I was told this was how they always were with one another.'
Often at this time of year, a week ahead of her birthday, the Queen liked to slip away from the formality of Windsor for Highclere Castle, where Downton Abbey was filmed, to stay with Jean, the dowager Countess of Carnarvon.
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Often at this time of year, a week ahead of her birthday, the Queen liked to slip away from the formality of Windsor for Highclere Castle, where Downton Abbey was filmed, to stay with Jean, the dowager Countess of Carnarvon
But her death two years ago was one of a number of close friends who have passed away in recent times.
In the past year alone she has lost Lady Mary Colman and Lady Elizabeth Anson, both cousins and both close friends, and Lady Vestey, Prince Harry's godmother.
Two new companions, a gift from a family member, however, have become close friends — her dogs Fergus, a corgi-dachshund cross and Muick, a pure bred corgi, pronounced Mick and named after a loch on the Balmoral estate.
Later today if she is not too tired she will don headscarf and raincoat and take the dogs for a short walk. For years it has been her way of coping with domestic misfortune and great unhappiness.
Constitutionally the death of Prince Philip changes nothing. His death is not the end of a reign even if it does, momentarily, feel like it.
But it does signal the start of a change. Losing your beloved partner of 73 years would be a blow for anyone let alone a woman of almost 95 who has to go on being monarch.
For the Queen Philip's absence will be profound. In the days and weeks ahead the goodwill and gratitude that people feel for her personally after nearly 70 years on the throne will perhaps be her greatest comfort.
Land Rover hearse that Philip designed himself: Open top Defender TD5 130 was custom built to Duke's orders at manufacturer's Solihull factory in 16-year project - including new coat of military green paint
For 16 years Prince Philip tinkered and toiled on a secret project he knew he would never live to see used - the hearse to carry his own coffin.
Now, two days before his funeral on Saturday, the custom-made Land Rover designed by the Duke has been unveiled for the first time.
His work on the bespoke Land Rover Defender TD5 130 chassis cab begun in 2003, the year he turned 82, and was finished aged 98 in 2019.
The open-top rear has been modified to fit his coffin and equipped with special rubber grips on silver pins - known as the 'stops' - to keep it secure while it makes the journey through Windsor to St George's Chapel.
A military man to his core, Philip also requested the original Belize Green paintwork was changed to Dark Bronze Green like those used by the armed forces.
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Now, two days before his funeral on Saturday, the custom-made Land Rover designed by the Duke has been unveiled for the first time
Specially modified Land Rover will transport Prince Philip's coffin
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The Land Rover Defender hearse that will carry Philip's coffin is seen for the first time as it is driven into Windsor Castle today
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His work on the bespoke Land Rover Defender TD5 130 chassis cab begun in 2003, the year he turned 82, and was finished aged 98 in 2019
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The open top rear has been modified to fit his coffin and equipped with special rubber grips on silver pins - known as the 'stops' - to keep it secure while it makes the journey through Windsor to St George's Chapel
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For 16 years Prince Philip tinkered and toiled on a secret project he knew he would never live to see used - the hearse to carry his own coffin
The military green repaint was one of many modifications Philip made to the vehicle, that was first built a the manufacturer's Solihull factory.
With heavy duty wheels and angular structure, the sturdy design stands testament to the Duke's penchant for engineering and functionality.
Indeed, Jaguar Land Rover's chief executive has admired Philip's handiwork, hailing his 'impressive knowledge and deep interest in vehicle design, engineering and manufacturing'.
Land Rover has maintained the vehicle since it was built and has prepared it for the funeral in collaboration with the Royal Household.
Chief executive Thierry Bollore said: 'We are deeply privileged to have enjoyed a very long and happy association with the Duke of Edinburgh over many decades.
'We are also honoured that the Land Rover which the duke designed will be used at the funeral on Saturday.
'The duke was a tremendous champion for design, engineering and technology.
'During his visits to our sites he engaged with hundreds of employees and demonstrated his impressive knowledge and deep interest in vehicle design, engineering and manufacturing.
'The duke was a truly remarkable man and will be greatly missed.'
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The military green repaint was one of many modifications Philip made to the vehicle, that was first built a the manufacturer's Solihull factory
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Details on the vehicle include matching green hubs, a black front grille, a single cab and no registration plates
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With heavy duty wheels and angular structure, the sturdy design stands testament to the Duke's penchant for engineering and functionality
Details on the vehicle include matching green hubs, a black front grille, a single cab and no registration plates.
The Duke used Land Rovers throughout his adult life and granted his Royal Warrant to Land Rover over 40 years ago.
He visited Jaguar Land Rover's manufacturing facilities on numerous occasions over the decades and accompanied the Queen when she opened Jaguar Land Rover's new Engine Manufacturing Centre in Wolverhampton in 2014.
The Land Rover's original role would also have been to transport the duke 22 miles from Wellington Arch in central London to Windsor, but the coronavirus pandemic curtailed the long-held plans for military parades in honour of Philip through the streets of both the capital and the Berkshire town.
It will be flanked by pall bearers reflecting the duke's special relationships with the military, the Royal Marines, Regiments, Corps and Air Stations.
Palace officials have told how the duke's interest in design sparked his desire to make the Land Rover and include it in his funeral plans, codenamed Operation Forth Bridge.
Two Land Rovers were made for 'belt and braces' in case a backup was needed.
Prince Philip will become 25th Royal in a 200-year-old vault hidden below St George's Chapel in Windsor before he is moved to King George VI Memorial Chapel when the Queen dies
Prince Philip will become the 25th Royal in the 200-year-old vault hidden beneath St George's Chapel in Windsor when he is buried.
The Duke of Edinburgh, who died last Friday aged 99, will join a range of kings and queens behind a set of iron gates around 16ft underground.
Among the notables already there include George III, George IV, George V of Hanover and William IV.
Others who are also buried there are Queen Victoria's father Prince Edward, George III's wife Queen Charlotte and Queen Mary's grandfather Prince Adolphus.
His coffin will be lowered into the Royal Vault at around 3pm and will stay there until the Queen dies.
When Her Majesty's time comes, they will join George VI and Queen Elizabeth in the King George VI Memorial Chapel.
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The Duke of Edinburgh, who died last Friday aged 99, will join a range of kings and queens behind a set of iron gates around 16ft underground
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Others who are also buried there are Queen Victoria's father Prince Edward, George III's wife Queen Charlotte and Queen Mary's grandfather Prince Adolphus
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When Her Majesty's time comes, they will join George VI and Queen Elizabeth in the King George VI Memorial Chapel (pictured)
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The Duke of Edinburgh (pictured in 2014) will be buried on Saturday afternoon at around 3pm
Who are the other 24 buried in the royal vault below St George's Chapel?
Princess Amelia, daughter of George III (d.1810)
Princess Augusta, Duchess of Brunswick, sister of George III (d.1813)
Stillborn son of Princess Charlotte(d. 1817)
Princess Charlotte (daughter of George IV) (d.1817)
Queen Charlotte, wife of George III (d.1818)
Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, father of Queen Victoria (d.1820)
King George III (d.1820)
Prince Alfred, son of George III (d.1782, placed in vault 1820)
Prince Octavius, son of George III (d.1783, placed in vault 1820)
Princess Elizabeth, daughter of William IV (d.1821)
Prince Frederick, Duke of York (d.1827)
King George IV (d.1830)
Still-born daughter of Prince Ernest Augustus, son of George III (d.1818)
King William IV (d.1837)
Princess Sophia, daughter of George III (d.1840)
Queen Adelaide, wife of William IV (d.1849)
Prince Frederick of Schleswig-Holstein, son of Princess Christian (d.1876)
King George V of Hanover (d.1878)
Victoria von Pawel Rammingen, daughter of Princess Frederica of Hanover (d.1881)
Princess Mary Adelaide, Duchess of Teck, mother of Queen Mary (d.1897)
Prince Francis, Duke of Teck, father of Queen Mary (d.1900)
Princess Frederika of Hanover (d.1926)
Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge, grandfather of Queen Mary (d.1850, placed in vault 1930)
Princess Augusta, Duchess of Cambridge, grandmother of Queen Mary (d.1889, placed in vault 1930)
This was erected between 1968 and 1969 and is situated next to the north quire aisle in the building.
Near there is a slab of black-and-white diamond-shaped stones which is taken away for funerals to gain access to a lift.
Royals' coffins are taken down the shaft for about 16ft before going down a corridor and set down in the vault behind iron gates.
Earlier monarchs were laid to rest in Westminster Abbey, where they still lie in a royal vault under the Henry VII Chapel.
But it quickly filled up and George III was forced to commission a new one under the Albert Memorial Chapel in Windsor in 1810.
His daughter Princess Amelia, who died aged 27 that year, was placed in a temporary vault until the new one was ready.
She was followed seven years later by Princess Charlotte and her child before George III and his son the Duke of Kent joined them in 1820.
By this time there were 12 low tombs in the vault that were around 18 inches high and a few feet across.
Monarchs and their wives went in the centre and there was more shelving for others on York stone.
Next came George IV in 1830, then William IV in 1937, Queen Adelaide in 1849 and George V of Hanover in 1878.
The latter was Queen Victoria's cousin and ended up in the vault because Hanover did not want him.
Some royals chose to spend time in the vault to reflect on the life of their loved one.
After George III's daughter Princess Augusta Sophia was put there in 1840, it was reported: 'We understand that in the course of yesterday His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge and his son Prince George descended into the royal vault, and stayed there some time contemplating the remains of their deceased relatives.'
This process was eased when a stone staircase was put in behind the altar in about 1837.
Victoria is understood to have frequently gone in after the Duke of Albany died in 1884 - and was followed by others.
He stayed there until he was transferred to the Albert Memorial Chapel in the summer of 1885.
After he brother prince Francis of Teck died in 1911, Queen Mary said: ''The vault looks very nice now, and is well lighted and arranged.
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Among the notables already there include George III, George IV, George V of Hanover and William IV. Pictured: King Edward II and Queen Alexandra in the chapel
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The Duke of Edinburgh will join them all on Saturday afternoon before being moved to the King George VI Memorial Chapel when the Queen dies
'The King [Edward VII] lies on the stone in the centre for the present.'
But the storage problem reemerged in towards the end of the 1920s, with only about 24 slots left.
Queen Elizabeth's grandfather George V used land next to Victoria's Mausoleum at Frogmore in Windsor to build the Royal Burial Ground in 1928.
This has become the main place to bury royals, with the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester among those there.
George V, George VI and Queen Mary went in the royal vault while George VI placed in his special chapel in 1969.
Prince Philip's mother Princess Alice of Battenberg, who was born at Windsor Castle in 1885, also went in when she died in 1969.
The Duke of Edinburgh will join them all on Saturday afternoon before being moved to the King George VI Memorial Chapel when the Queen dies.
The bodies of her parents, George VI and the Queen Mother, as well as the ashes of her sister, Princess Margaret, are interred here.
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:Prince Philip funeral: Britain is left heartbroken by photograph of the Queen sitting alone