May 2021 Prince Philip Planned His Own Service

 

Like many around the world, I watched the funeral of Prince Philip. I’m not a “royal watcher” as such, though I love the show The Crown. But, not surprisingly for a pastor, it is always interesting to witness how faith is expressed by different people in different settings. So while I have a general sense of this long-time royal, aided by a fictionalized television show, I was more intrigued by how a funeral such as this, at a time like this, comes to pass.

And what I heard, as much as anything else, is that Philip planned his own service. From the choice of church (he had many to choose from), the 700 military personnel, personal touches like his cap and sword on the coffin, to designing the Land Rover that would carry his body. A “smaller affair” by royal standards, commentators noted this also reflected his desire for a “simple” service. He picked biblical passages and musical pieces that were meaningful to him, but despite the several clergy involved, he chose to have no eulogy or homily. And, as I’ve experienced whenever deep love is expressed, it was a beautiful, eloquent service.

I share this in light of a church member who recently shared how helpful it was to have a departed love one provide many of their funeral arrangements in advance. You don’t have to be in ill health or 99 years old to think of Scripture verses or hymns that mean a lot to you. Perhaps the best time for such discussions and selections is when your heart is burning within you.

As you may remember, each year I dedicate one of my monthly newsletter columns to the same subject: funeral preparations. Whether death comes suddenly or after a protracted illness, or upon reaching a certain age, there is a degree of surprise to death when it finally comes. Despite its inevitability, people often feel like there is always more time available. But that time comes for all of us, and family members can feel unnecessarily guilt badly for not knowing their loved one’s favorite Bible passages or hymns, or other meaningful wishes. Please take the time to talk with your loved ones, to write down your desires. The time you take now will save a lot more than time down the road.