THE Duke of Sussex has summed up his grandfather as “legend of banter, and cheeky right till the end” at the funeral for Prince Philip today.

The nation fell silent in memory of the Duke of Edinburgh this afternoon, as his funeral marked a life of service, devotion and duty.

The Queen and her family gathered to say farewell to Philip, who died peacefully just over a week ago at Windsor Castle and was hailed as the “grandfather” of the country by his son the Duke of York.

As the funeral began, the nation came to a halt to observe a minute’s silence in memory of the duke, who died a few months short of his 100th birthday.

The Argus: Photos: PA MediaPhotos: PA Media

Covid-19 regulations reduced the scope of the service with public elements cancelled, mourners reduced from around 800 to just 30, and all guests wearing face masks and sitting apart.

The Prince of Wales and Princess Royal led senior royals in walking behind their father’s coffin the short distance from the castle to St George’s Chapel.

The Duke of Sussex and Duke of Cambridge joined the procession but were separated by their cousin Peter Phillips.

They were seated opposite one another in St George’s Chapel during the service, with William next to wife Kate.

The Argus:

Cutting a solitary figure at the front of the quire, nearest the altar, the Queen sat apart from her children.

There was a space left beside her where her husband of 73 years the duke would have sat.

Personal, funny and revealing tributes were paid by the duke’s children and grandchildren who knew him best, and saw a side of the duke only glimpsed at by the outside world.

The Duke of Sussex summed up his “grandpa” as “master of the barbecue, legend of banter, and cheeky right till the end” while the Duke of Cambridge pledged to uphold his wishes and continue to support the Queen and “get on with the job”.

The Duke of Sussex and Duke and Duchess of Cambridge could be seen chatting together after they left the service.

The Argus:

Philip’s death came at a time of upheaval for the royal family with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex making accusations of racism and a lack of support against their family in their bombshell Oprah Winfrey interview.

Harry also spoke about a rift with his brother William and father Charles, and this week the funeral plans revealed he would not walk shoulder to shoulder with his sibling in the funeral procession or sit together inside the chapel.

In an unexpected move it was announced military uniforms would not be worn but morning coat with medals or day dresses.

It meant Harry – who lost his honorary military titles after stepping down as senior royals – would not look out of place and it put an end to reports the Duke of York was considering wearing an admiral’s uniform.

Andrew was due to be promoted to admiral in 2020 to mark his 60th birthday, but after the fallout from his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein he did not receive the honour.