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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Jennifer Newton

Prince Philip's final 'rallying cry' message to royals to urge family unity after death

Exactly one year ago today, the Royal Family said their final goodbyes to Prince Philip at his funeral.

It was a fitting send-off for the Queen's late beloved husband, with more than 700 members of the armed forces taking part in the ceremony, marking his association with the military and Navy service in World War Two.

Haunting music chosen by Philip, including bugle players and stirring naval hymns, also rang out from the largely deserted gothic landscape.

All members of his family were at the service, including his grandson Prince Harry, who jetted in from California where he now leads a new life with wife Meghan Markle.

Prince Philip, whose funeral was exactly one year ago today (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

As the small ceremony came to a close, Buglers of the Royal Marines sounded action stations, which was specifically requested to be played at the end of the funeral by Philip himself.

And speaking before the funeral, one palace source explained the significance of the "deeply stirring sound".

They explained: "The symbolism of his final call will not be lost on the family. That even in the Duke's final moments before he is laid to rest he was calling on his troops, his family, to man their posts.

Prince William and Prince Harry at Prince Philip's funeral with Peter Phillips (Getty Images)

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"The Duke often spoke to his family about the need to support the Queen and the institution and perhaps there is no more prominent time than this given the recent history and controversies raging within the family.

"It is very much hoped by all that they use this as a rallying cry to come together."

The first anniversary of Philip's funeral comes as the royals also mark Easter.

However, the Queen is not expected to attend the Royal Family's annual Easter Sunday church service today.

The royals, led by the Queen, usually attend the Easter Mattins Service at St George's Chapel in Windsor each year.

The Queen at Prince Philip's memorial service last month (Getty Images)

Earlier in the week, it was confirmed that members of the Royal Family would be at the service day as usual - but the monarch, who turns 96 next week, is not believed to be among them.

Her Majesty has been suffering from mobility problems in recent months and feels she can not commit to the service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor this weekend, royal sources have confirmed.

It comes after she also pulled out of attending Thursday's traditional Royal Maundy Service, which was also held at St George's Chapel.

The monarch has been forced to cut back on engagements since being hospitalised for a night last October for an unspecified illness and then being told by her doctors to rest.

In recent weeks, the Queen has been forced to pull out of several high profile events, including the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey.

However, two weeks ago, she did make it to her beloved husband Prince Philip's memorial service, which was also at Westminster Abbey.

Special arrangements were put in place for the Queen’s comfort, with the service limited to 40 minutes and the monarch sitting in one of the Canada chairs but with an additional cushion.

The sovereign who recently decided to make Windsor Castle her primary residence, rejecting the possibility that she will one day move back to Buckingham Palace, has been carrying out virtual events and her other duties as head of state from her Berkshire home where she has spent most of the pandemic.

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