Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
The Royal Family gathered for the Funeral of Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle on this day in 1974, 50 years ago, ahead of the Burial in Frogmore.
The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Wales, Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, the Duke of Kent and Prince Michael of Kent followed the Carriage through Windsor Castle to St. George’s Chapel.
The Duke’s funeral was carried out with military precision. Six matched black horses drew the body on a gun carriage through a Windsor lined with troops, leaning with bowed heads on reversed arms. In uniform behind the carriage marched Prince Charles, the Duke of Edinburgh, the two princes of Kent and Prince Richard of Gloucester, who has inherited the late Duke’s title.
In St. George’s Chapel, Queen Elizabeth II led the Royal Family along with Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester and the Duchess of Gloucester, the Queen Mother, Princess Anne, Princess Margaret, the Duchess of Kent, and Lord Mountbatten
In the vaulted chapel, Queen Elizabeth knelt for the final prayers beside the. Duke’s 72‐year‐old widow. While a lone bagpiper played a lament, the entire royal family, followed the coffin. Behind them marched those personal servants closest to the late duke—his butler, groom, valet and chauffeur.
As a gesture to the country he served as a soldier, Queen Elizabeth allowed the ceremony to be televised.
The Duke’s body was carried in procession through the streets of Windsor, and saluted by 21 guns. The funeral services were held in St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, home of the world’s oldest order of chivalry.
Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, the last surviving grandson of Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II’s beloved “Uncle Harry,” was buried today in the royal mausoleum at Frogmore with only the royal family present. The 74‐year‐old Duke, an invalid for seven years, died Monday.
King Constantine II and Queen Anne-Marie of Greece were also present alongside Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone.