Today the royal family were finally able celebrate the life and legacy of the late Prince Philip, almost a year after his death.
The Queen led a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey in London, which was attended by members of the British royal family, other European royals, and representatives of his charities. But instead of wearing black, as might be expected for a memorial service, Her Majesty wore a forest green dress coat and matching hat.
There was actually a touching and sentimental reason for the Queen wearing the shade, which was in tribute to her late husband. The colour, known as “Edinburgh Green”, was Philip’s official livery colour. The duke was well known for his love of the colour.
Princess Anne also joined her mother in wearing the hue, arriving in a green coat with black accents, as did Camilla, the duch*ess of Cornwall, who paired her dress coat with a black and green hat and a silver brooch.
One of the European guests, Princess Letizia of Spain, also paid her respects in an emerald green coat and fascinator.
Other members of the royal family to join the service included the Duke and duch*ess of Cambridge, with their two eldest children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie were also present with their husbands, as was Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that the Queen, who entered Westminster Abbey discreetly via a side door, helped organise today's memorial service for her late husband, “with many elements reflecting Her Majesty’s wishes”.
The statement read: "The Service will give thanks for The Duke of Edinburgh’s dedication to family, Nation and Commonwealth and recognise the importance of his legacy in creating opportunities for young people, promoting environmental stewardship and conservation, and supporting the Armed Forces."
FAQs
There was actually a touching and sentimental reason for the Queen wearing the shade, which was in tribute to her late husband. The colour, known as “Edinburgh Green”, was Philip's official livery colour. The duke was well known for his love of the colour.
Why did the royal ladies wear green today? ›
Speaking of green, the royal women banded together in that hue to attend Prince Philip's memorial service, as his favorite color was Edinburgh green, a nod to his role as Duke of Edinburgh. Women of the royal family often color coordinate at events to send a subtle message of unity.
Why did Queen wear green? ›
We know the Queen often wore bright hues to ensure she had maximum visibility in crowds, meaning members of the public will have a better chance at getting a glimpse of her, but, according to marie claire U.K., the subtle shade of green is a means of communicating hope and good luck.
Did the Queen cry at Philips' funeral? ›
What happened at Prince Philip's emotional memorial service that made the Queen and Beatrice cry? Queen Elizabeth was overcome with emotion as she paid her final tribute to her beloved husband, Prince Philip, during a moving Thanksgiving service at Westminster Abbey.
When did the Queen cry? ›
The Decommissioning of Royal Yacht Britannia – 1997
The Queen famously shed a tear when she attended the decommissioning of the Royal Yacht Britannia during a ceremony in Portsmouth in 1997. Overcome with emotion, she was seen wiping her eyes as her beloved yacht was taken out of service after 22 years.
Who is the woman in green in the Westminster Abbey? ›
It turns out it was Portsmouth MP Penny Mordaunt, Leader of the House of Commons and Lord President of the Privy Council. She became the first woman to carry the sword of state – a symbol of the new king's authority – during the procession at Westminster Abbey.
What did the wearing of the green mean? ›
The song proclaims that "they are hanging men and women for the wearing of the green". The revolutionary Society of United Irishmen adopted green as its colour, and supporters wore green-coloured garments, ribbons, or co*ckades. In some versions, the "green" being worn is shamrock rather than fabric.
When the Queen wears green? ›
In the documentary The Queen at 90, the Countess of Wessex explained that the queen wears lime green to ensure that people can spot her in the crowds. "She needs to stand out for people to be able to say "I saw the Queen", the Countess said.
What color does the Queen not wear? ›
Queen Elizabeth liked to stand out
She wanted to stand out so people knew her as the queen. “I can't wear beige because nobody would know who I am,” said Elizabeth, according to her biographer Robert Hardman, per The Telegraph.
What color did Queen Elizabeth not wear? ›
However, there was one colour the Queen never wore on her public engagements. Robert Hardman, the Queen's biographer, even quoted her once as saying, “I can never wear beige because nobody will know who I am.” According to Hardman, the Queen only wore beige and more muted colours when she was relaxing at home.
At Prince Philip's funeral, Queen Elizabeth wrote a note for her late husband's coffin. While cameras did not capture the full contents of the letter, it did read "In loving memory," and the Queen signed it as "Lilibet," her childhood nickname.
What was broken at Queen's funeral? ›
The Lord Chamberlain kept tradition by breaking his wand of office on Queen Elizabeth's coffin during the committal service at St George's Chapel in Windsor on Monday.
Did anyone ever see the Queen cry? ›
She travelled with Prince Philip to pay their condolences to the dead and their loved ones. This expedition to Aberfan was also included in the web series 'The Crown'. The Queen was also photographed crying in public during the Royal Yacht Britannia's decommissioning ceremony in Portsmouth in 1997.
Who did the Queen see before she died? ›
While at Balmoral, Charles and his wife Camilla (now Queen Camilla) spent an hour with the Queen privately at her bedside in the hours before she died, according to the book. Princess Anne, along with Angela Kelly, the Queen's senior dresser and trusted confidante, took turns by her bedside.
How long did they know the Queen was dying? ›
The PM was told at 4:30pm, two hours before the official announcement, and since there would have been medical processes to go through and relatives to be told, she probably really died around 3:30pm. The BBC reporters were in black tie soon after 4:30.
What does green mean to the royal family? ›
The shade of green worn by the three women has a special significance and marks a subtle tribute to the late duke. The colour, called “Edinburgh Green”, was Philip's official livery colour.
Why do people dress green today? ›
Patrick's Day—or risk getting pinched! The tradition is tied to folklore that says wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns, which like to pinch anyone they can see. Some people also think sporting the color will bring good luck, and others wear it to honor their Irish ancestry.
What is the green sash worn by royals? ›
The green sash is for The Order of the Thistle, which is the highest Scottish chivalric honour. Prince Charles is the holder of The Order. Usually HRH Prince Charles wears the blue sash [riband] of the Order of the Garter, the most senior Order of Chivalry in England.
