Who Rode In The Car With The Queen To Prince Philip's Funeral?
Queen Elizabeth II's husband Prince Philip died on Apr. 9, 2021 at age 99. According to the official statement from the Royal Family, he "passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle." On April 17, he was laid to rest at a ceremonial funeral, instead of a state funeral at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, there were only 30 guests at the funeral, consisting mostly of the Duke of Edinburgh's close family members, including his son Prince Charles and his grandsons Prince William and Prince Harry. In addition to the small guest list, due to COVID-19, the queen did not even get to mourn next to her family. Instead, she sat alone in compliance with the coronavirus precautions. No one is allowed within six feet of her and attendees were required to stay at least two meters away from others that are not in their household, as reported by The Telegraph.
However, she wasn't completely alone that day. One of Elizabeth's ladies in waiting accompanied her in the car on her way to the chapel for the service, but she did not sit in the quire with the 30 mourners, again, due to coronavirus precautions, per iNews. The ladies in waiting are a part of the HMS Bubble, which is the reduced group of about 20 staff who have been attending to the queen since the pandemic began. According to Rebecca English, the Royal Editor for Daily Mail, Elizabeth was accompanied by Lady Susan Hussey.
The Queen's lady in waiting Susan Hussey is Prince William's godmother
According to Hello!, Lady Susan Hussey has been a part of the Royal Family's inner circle for a long time. She joined the court in 1960 after becoming the queen's Woman of the Bedchamber. She was initially employed to respond to letters following the birth of Prince Andrew, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip's third child. Lady Susan also has another significant role in the family — she is one of Prince William's godmothers, and they are reportedly very close. Per The Times, she is considered to be the "No 1 head girl".
Additionally, Lady Susan's parents are the 12th Earl Waldegrave and Mary Hermione, Countess Waldegrave. Susan was married to the late BBC chairman Marmaduke Hussey. In 2013, Lady Susan became a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order. As a lady in waiting, she is one of the Queen's most trusted confidantes. However, she does not actually receive a salary for her duties aiding the queen, according to iNews. Instead, her expenses, including her wardrobe and travel, are paid for.
In addition to her official role serving the queen, Lady Susan is a vital part of her inner circle. That position is already significant, but especially so during the coronavirus pandemic when there are so many restrictions.