Soldier Collapses While Holding Rifle During Procession at Prince Philip's Funeral
Soldier Collapses While Holding Rifle During Procession at Prince Philip's Funeral
A soldier at Prince Philip's funeral was seen collapsing to the ground while standing outside St. George's chapel.
Scroll on to see the devastating moment for yourself...
Now, the heartbreaking news of Prince Philip's death was announced in a statement by the royal family on April 9th.
"It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh," it read.
"His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle."
"The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss. Further announcements will be made in due course."
Of course, it was no secret that Philip had been unwell for quite some time now...
With his health having slowly deteriorated over the last couple of years.
Over time, he was treated for a number of conditions, including a bladder infection back in 2012 and surgery on his abdomen in June 2013.
Stepping down from royal engagements in May 2017, Philip even joked he could no longer stand up before having hip surgery a year later.
Around the Christmas period in 2019, we saw the duke spend 4 nights in hospital for observation and treatment in relation to a "pre-existing condition".
But his longest stay came earlier this year.
Philip was admitted to hospital in London on February 16th after feeling unwell.
While admitted, he had a successful procedure for a pre-existing heart condition.
He was discharged just a matter of weeks ago...
And, while many thought his discharge was positive news, it sadly wasn't the case.
Prince Philip died on April 9th, aged ninety-nine.
He was just months short of celebrating his hundredth birthday.
As the news broke of Philips death, tributes from around the world came flooding in...
Spotted this remarkable structure amongst the flowers for #PrincePhilip at Windsor Castle: a carved watermelon 🍉
— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) April 12, 2021
“Prince Philip, 1921-2021 Rest in Peace”.
Astonishing skill and amazing detail 🔪 pic.twitter.com/uV3B8lwLDX
Rest in Peace HRH, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. My deepest condolences to Her Majesty, The Queen and to The Royal Family. pic.twitter.com/TePhDOGfcn
— Keith Richards (@officialKeef) April 9, 2021
May Prince Philip rest in peace.
— Darren A (@dazthevillan) April 11, 2021
In my teens I completed my Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. I loved the expeditions, orienteering and working with disadvantaged kids. Best years of my life.
RIP Prince Philip. A video from his 1959 visit to a Burma both very different and similar to today (civil war, army "caretaker" government promising elections, but a relatively-well educated population ahead or at least not far behind the rest of Asia) https://t.co/vMtVKasorZ
— Thant Myint-U (@thantmyintu) April 11, 2021
May H.R.H. Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh rest with the angels. Farewell, sweet Prince and godspeed. I ache for Her Majesty the Queen and this unspeakable loss. Theirs was a special love, a remarkable and lasting bond, a fine example for all lovers in this wacky world💔🇬🇧
— Nancy Sinatra (@NancySinatra) April 10, 2021
It’s true. A peaceful passing surrounded by family is all we can hope for in the end, for ourselves and our loved ones 💕Rest in peace Prince Philip
— Julia Martin (@jlmartin1234) April 11, 2021
to the man that the Queen loved and cherished; may you rest well and in peace, Prince Philip. 🕊️
— eli (@theRoyalteaam) April 9, 2021
your family and the people who loves you will dearly miss you :< #DukeofEdinburgh pic.twitter.com/5e3oZvxSWh
Following the Duke's passing, the U.K entered into an 8-day period of mourning...
During which Union flags were flown at half-mast.
Any laws that needed to be given the Royal Assent of affairs of state were put on hold...
And the Queen stepped away from any duties - though, remarkably, she returned back to work just 5 days after his death.
And, on Saturday, April 17th, Prince Philip's funeral officially took place.
The funeral was a televised event and carried out in line with current UK Covid-19 restrictions.
Taking place at 3 o'clock at St George's Chapel on the grounds of Windsor Castle, only thirty guests were allowed to attend.
The Duke's body was transported from the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle to the church in a specially-modified Land Rover that he himself had once helped to design.
There was a military presence with personnel from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army, and RAF.
With senior members of the royal family, including Prince Charles and Prince William, walking behind the car on the way to the church.
However, during the ceremony, a soldier believed to be from the Rifles regiment of the British Army was photographed collapsing to the ground.
It was a notably warm day, with the daytime temperature approaching fifty-seven degrees Farenheit during the ceremony.
It is believed the unnamed soldier collapsed as a result of the heat...
The photo above shows him falling to the ground in full ceremonial uniform, including a jacket, gloves, and a hat.
And, as he fell, another soldier could be seen on the verge of collapse.
To his right, another soldier could be seen holding onto his colleague and propping him up under the glaring sun.
The current condition of the soldiers involved is yet to be announced.
The British Army haven't yet commented on the incident.
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