It is ironic that HRH Prince Philip, the world greatest prophet had the most humble final royal farewell at St George’s Chapel in Windsor with only 29 people and his beloved wife, Queen Elizabeth II, meanwhile, six thousand miles away in Africa, over five thousand six hundred eminent Africans held a simultaneous mega service of celebrations for him starting Hilton’s Transcorp hotel, Abuja.
By Professor Chris Imafidon – Due to current UK pandemic official restrictions, HRH Prince Philip, the world greatest prophet of ecology, equality, education, engineering and ecumenicalism had the most humble, and one of the least attended royal funeral ceremonies ever. There was no sermon, no eulogy and a much reduced choir and lasted less than one hour.
However, at the eve of the funeral I was privileged to attend a larger service, which took place at 7pm in Windsor with no military presence (At Trinity). So, during the main funeral service as widely reported in the media, I had to make my honest views known that compared to the Duke’s contributions to humanity, he deserved a much bigger celebration. I could not understand why in the midst of the so-called pandemic, we were expected to be at Wembley stadium the next day to join four thousand football fans for a match but limited the funeral arrangements because of the same pandemic in the same region of the country! Everyone at the castle came covid19-ready with sanitisers, masks, even lateral flow tests, and prepared for social distancing so that “honour is given to whom honour is due”.
AFRICA CELEBRATIONS
During the midpoint of the service in Windsor, I had to join the live simultaneous service in Africa, where I had to deliver the eulogy based on an earlier viral tribute that I published on my social media page and the AFRICAN VOICE newspaper. HRH Prince Philip was a special predictor of human events and affairs in environmental development, female empowerment and equity among many things. The service, which lasted not much longer than 2 hours and 45 minutes, and the funeral service were led by Archbishop Sam Zuga of Nigeria.
Archbishop Zuga described the Prince as a modern-day model of selfless leadership worthy of emulation by present and aspiring leaders, and a strong support pillar behind the successes of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II of the UK and commonwealth. The service ended with special prayers for his beloved wife, children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
VIRAL TRIBUTE
Due to covd19 compliance the students, staff and management of ExcellenceinEducation.org.uk programme wore masks with my eulogy, parts of which have been published by the African voice and the BBC. It was a surprise that the press photographers took pictures of the masks because it had the image of HRH Prince Philip and my tribute. Before the end of the ceremonies, this image started trending across mainstream and social media. It was used by American news agency, The Associated Press, UK agency, Press Association, French AFP, Getty Images and many more. Based on Google calculation it has now been seen by over 1 million different media – making the most shared tributes ever,
As quoted by the Mirror, I felt disappointed on behalf of many people who were forced to witness a rather “small funeral for Prince Philip, even though these are in keeping with restrictions”.
This is because I know that, “This is a great man who deserves the highest amount of respect. His funeral should be happening at St Paul’s or Wembley Stadium, not limited to closed doors with only 30 people.“
Sky News, TV and other global media quoted me saying, “ Professor Imafidon witnessed the duke’s work, calling him a “national treasure”.
“I had to be here for his funeral,” he said. “What the duke did for education, empowerment and equality changed the country and the world more than people know. Professor Imafidon says, “We should be celebrating him”. He credits the extraordinary work Prince Philip did with inner-city children. Many he encouraged and believed in found renewed energy and faith in the education through the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.”
A REAL PROPHET
The government then issued a stay-at-home order, which was respectfully ignored by the charity leaders who Prince Philip has personally impacted and locals whose kids have been transformed by the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.
Duke of the commonwealth, Duke of Africa, Duke of Nigeria. As a teenager, my RE (Religious Education) taught us that Jesus Christ was dishonoured in his native Nazareth because a “prophet is not without honour except among its people and among its own”. But I never dreamt that the life, legacy and funeral of Prince Philip would come to confirm this saying with biblical precision. This confirms the hallmark of a true prophet with little honour at home but massive celebration in foreign countries. During his lifetime, The Duke rejected a big state funeral of about 2,000 attendees and wanted “no-fuss” and agreed to an 800 strong gathering but the government reduced it further to just 29 plus his wife because of so called pandemic times. Nobody who was at Wembley stadium a few hours later, and saw the crowd will take this government excuse seriously. If a crowd of thousands can meet to watch football, an entertaining event, why can’t the nation meet in similar numbers to celebrate a colossal legend and undisputed multiple icon called Prince Philip? It is interesting that the Africans put up a bigger event than anyone else. But the Africans have not finished because as the consort of a former African head of state, ceremonial of real, after 40 days of mourning the Muslims will pray and celebrate him. The leaders of the multi-faith are planning an ecumenical service to mark his contributions to inter-faith dialogue in Africa on the 40th day of his transition to glory.
THE CEREMONY
The British reduction in the numbers did not affect other planned events, which included the Duke’s personally designed Land Rover hearse, which took the coffin on a final journey. Prince Philip also carefully selected all the music for the ceremony. Here are some of the songs:
ETERNAL FATHER, STRONG TO SAVE
Eternal Father, Strong To Save is a well-known song known as the “hymn for the Royal Navy”.
The Duke was passionate about the Royal Navy for over 80 years, having enrolled at Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth as a teenager, served and distinguished himself at sea during the Second World War and later held numerous honorary ranks.
His association with the Navy was reflected by the Victorian hymn, which was performed by a choir of four.
The Rhosymedre by Ralph Vaughan Williams
The Rhosymedre is a piece with strong royal connotations and was featured at all the recent royal weddings including that of Prince Harry and Duchess of Sussex; and Prince William with Duchess Kate Middleton. It was also heard at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales.
The song was played before the service, alongside Sebastian Bach’s prelude Schmucke Dich, O Liebe Seele BWV 654.
Jerusalem by Hubert Parry and Nimrod by Elgar
A tri-service band, comprising The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Commando Training Centre Royal Marines, The Band of the Scots Guards and The Combined Bands of the Royal Air Force, played as the Duke’s Land Rover entered by the George IV gate ahead of the arrival of his coffin
Prince Philip list of classical music included Jerusalem, Nimrod, I Vow To Thee My Country, Supreme Sacrifice and Isle Of Beauty.
The Jubilate in C by Benjamin Britten
The Jubilate in C was written by acclaimed composer Benjamin Britten at the duke’s request in around 1961. It is now very popular with many churches
Psalm 104 set to music by William Lovelady
Originally composed as a cantata in three movements, the song was first sung in honour of the Duke’s 75th birthday in 1996.
The Duke’s Lament
After Prince Philip’s coffin was lowered into the royal vault, a sorrowful tune known as a lament was played by a Pipe Major from the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Finally Action Stations
Philip was once the Captain General of the Royal Marines for more than six decades. At the end of the service buglers sounded Action Stations.
It is played on a warship to signal all hands should go to battle stations and is sometimes featured at funerals of naval men.
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