A topless woman who appeared at Prince Philip’s funeral was arrested by the police.
She was seen protesting loudly towards the end of the minute-long silence which was observed for the deceased royal. The police officers then took the woman away from Windsor Castle and St George’s Chapel, where the funeral of the former Duke of Edinburgh was taking place.
Later on, the police got hold of clothing that is believed to have been worn by the woman. She was seen running towards the road, shouting “save the planet” just after the crowd started clapping after the minute-long silence.
Thames Valley Police had earlier issued an appeal to prevent gathering in large crowds and watch the funeral procession and ceremony for the Duke of Edinburgh on television instead, in keeping with the coronavirus lockdown restrictions on large gatherings.
“In line with the Royal Household wishes we would like to remind people that due to the ongoing Covid 19 pandemic, they should avoid visiting the town today and instead pay their respects by watching television coverage, joining the nation observing a minute’s silence or signing the online book of condolence,” a Thames Valley Police statement said.
“Our officers will be out and about on patrol in Windsor as normal and there will be a range of visible and not so visible security measures in place to ensure everyone’s safety. We would especially encourage everyone who is in Windsor today to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to officers immediately,” the statement said.
Hundreds of officers had been deployed as part of the security measures in and around the castle, the Queen’s royal residence in Berkshire, south-east England.
The funeral ceremony in the chapel went on uninterrupted as the Queen led senior members of the royal family in mourning her husband and consort of 73 years, who died peacefully last week on Friday.
At the end of the ceremony, the Duke’s coffin was carried to his resting place in the royal vault beneath St. George’s Chapel.
