I guess in an island nation, the navy has precedence.
Britannia rules the waves and all that. It’s the oldest permanent military service, founded by Henry VIII. Obviously we’ve had armies before that, but they were a much looser rag tag idea than formal regiments.
Also traditionally where we park young royals to keep them out of trouble before they’re needed for royal duties. (William and Harry broke the tradition).
I can’t believe it’s still going on, I had no idea we had quite so many redcoats.
Those pallbearers deserve a medal at this point.
There must be some industrial strength sticky tape under that orb
Imagine if one of them tripped up these stairs.
That is where the barons/earls/dukes of old came in. They were the ones who had knights and could raise men to fight for or against the monarchy. They could force the monarch to concessions. It could be a tricky and fraught endeavor.
Just wanted to add one more thought on the Duchess of Edinburgh thing: For about a year, Camilla was the Duchess of Edinburgh. When Philip died in 2021, that title was inherited by his eldest son, Charles, which gave Camilla the corresponding courtesy title. Now that Charles is King, the title has been merged into the Crown and ceased to exist, which makes it available for re-creation.
Jeez, just bury the woman already. I really don’t get all the non-stop press coverage, nor people standing in line for days on end. No other world leader would rate this sort of adulation or endless coverage, not to mention the astronomical expense for this sort of thing. Yeah, I’m a crank.
And for all sorts of historical reasons, it’s the Royal Navy, and dates far back into the middle ages but from the 17th century the British army was allowed only under the specific authority of Parliament, ever since Charles I lost his head for (among other things) raising an army against Parliament*. To the extent that, technically, Parliament only authorised the existence of an army for a year at a time- until 1955!
*Faint pre-echo here of the rationale offered for your Second Amendment, AIUI
Ah, the orb has a little post!
And the crown pillow a cylinder.
This was carried over into the US Constitution, which requires any appropriation of money for an army to expire within two years.
Just spotted Diana’s brother. Glad they let bygones be bygones.
Maybe he brought his dancin’ shoes.
Go wait in the car.
She’s not buried yet, chefguy! one more ceremony that is family only and not public. She will be taken from the vault with Philip and placed next to her parents.
Well, I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m exhausted. Time for a G&T methinks.
According to the sailors actually pulling the gun carriage, those in back control the brakes and steering.
Yes, the carriage has no brakes and would run away on the downhill sections.
Okay, Og forgive me for saying this, but here goes.
The First Lady standing next to the Queen Consort is like Glinda vs. the Wicked Witch. Okay, not that extreme in either direction. But when I’ve seen Camilla during this, I kept telling myself, “Well, she looks good for her age…” Then yesterday, the Beast pulls up and out pops Dr. Jill, with healthy hair, relatively smooth and glowing skin, and a trim figure. “Waitaminut…” I thought. Looked it up: Camilla is 75; Jill B. is 71. And she still makes Camilla look like Miss Havisham.
Again, forgive me for saying that about someone in mourning. Just wanted to share.
A G&D would be more appropriate.
You don’t have to guess:
During Queen Victoria’s funeral in 1901, horses were used to pull her coffin on the gun carriage. One of the horses reared up threatening to topple the coffin, and the sailors of the Royal Navy then pulled the gun carriage and coffin the rest of the way. It has been a tradition ever since.
It has nothing to do with the navy having precedence over the other military branches.