First we committed the worst thing attendees can do. We were late.
Miss Manners would take immediate umbrage. There two events where being late is unacceptable - weddings and funerals.
We did get there in time to see his coffin shuffled into St. George's Chapel. This was an unexpected visual - from the camera view (head to toe) it looked like someone put a broom on the casket -homage to
the help? We were disabused of that delusion when it was described as his Naval hat and sword. Still it did give me a shock. A final joke from the deceased who was something of a wag anyhow.
Unfortunately we did arrive to be on time for the full church service. Church of England's services are just as paralyzingly dull as any of the other religions. But the music was beautiful.
As we watched quietly, I thought that if everyone walked at that pace behind the casket, they wouldn't get him into the dirt until well dark.
Next up are the wakes, limited, I read to 15 guests per venue. "30 invitees" "15 waker"s - what the hell - the royals all buying lotto tickets?
Am now trying to get a line into what are typical post-funeral foods. I doubt anyone will be serving "Spotted Dick" or "Eton Mess." The first is a take-off on fruitcake and the second is fresh fruit and whipped cream, served in an old-fashioned sundae glass..
I hope to ferret out further (interesting) details. A long-misplaced illegitimate daughter would be rather fun...but that's wishing for far too much
BBC 1 p.m. news
We did get to see the .the self designed hearse! Thinking about it there couldn't have been changes, Think "after market" and beef-up the axles, engine and floor of it. Caskets are enormously heavy. Another weight consideration is that according to royal orders they are to be lead-lined which has to add a considerable number of pounds. That goes far to explain why there were so many pallbearers - I counted eight -on the left side alone. A mortician was quoted telling readers that English oak is non existent these days. Royals sleeping in lead jackets include
Elizbeth, the Queen mother, Princess Diana now joined by Prince Philip and a merry time they must all be having QE1 was said to be quite amusing when the gin and tonic kicks in. Philip's smart remarks did make some laugh sometimes. Just not enough to get away most of them. I'm surprised no one has collected them and published it. Philip's Faux Pas ? Funning With Philip?
As the Beeb has run the same footage three times now -.no more from me unless there is anything else new or new more exciting such as William and Harry take it to the street? After getting knee-walking drunk?
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