A special chariot to suit a special man.
Many of you may have heard that Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, died just days ago at the young age of 99. Although the Duke was only two months away from his 100th birthday in March, he had already begun to prepare for his death many years ago.
The Land Rover Defender he will use to transport him to the Frogmore Gardens at Windsor Castle during his funeral procession on Saturday, April 7, 2016, actually was his design. This occasion’s hearse will be a Land Rover Defender 130 Gun Bus. It was delivered to the palace in 2016.
According to The Drive the Gun Bus was constructed by Foley Specialist Vehicles. This shop has been modifying Land Rover vehicles for over 50 years. The Defender that Prince Philip will be using to transport him is made from a galvanized chassis with a hand-built back body. All of it is painted in Deep Bronze Green. If the vehicle should fail, another one is available in the wings.
It is not surprising that Land Rover has had a long-standing relationship with the royals. The 130 Defender, in which Prince Philip will ride, is a fitting tribute his interest in engineering and design.
The Gun Bus carrying the Duke will be flanked with pallbearers representing the Royal Marines, Regiments, Corps, Air Stations, and Royal Marines. They will be led in this role by Grenadier Guards. The Land Rover could not have been chosen for a better role in this procession.