Prince Philip’s custom Land Rover Defender to carry his casket

Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and husband of Queen Elizabeth II, passed away April 9 at the late age of 99.  He will be laid to rest April 17 at Frogmore Gardens of Windsor Castle after a ceremonial funeral procession in a custom Land Rover Defender 130 Gun Bus.

The Defender, commissioned in 2006, was custom-built by Foley Specialist Vehicles with Prince Philip’s guidance. 

“His Royal Highness’s coffin will be carried in a purpose-built Land Rover – which The Duke was involved in the design of – flanked by military Pall Bearers, in a small Ceremonial Procession from the State Entrance to St George’s Chapel, for the Funeral Service,” confirmed the Royal Palace.

Delivered to Queen’s private estate in 2016, the upgraded Gun Bus is built on an extra-long, 130-inch wheelbase and features a new rear passenger cabin large enough to fit a casket, LED lighting, green leather interior and French Oak trim.

“We have just delivered a totally rebuilt 130 Defender Gun Bus to the Duke of Edinburgh for use on one of the Estates,” Foley posted on Facebook in 2016. “Built to his specifications in the traditional Deep Bronze Green to an ‘As New’ standard. Built onto a galvanized chassis and hand-built rear body.”

It’s no surprise that Prince Philip chose this Land Rover Defender to carry him in his procession as the royal family has a long-standing history with Land Rover, so much so that in 1948, George VI, the Queen’s father, was gifted the 100^th Land Rover.

We also saw the Queen and Prince Philip standing in a custom convertible Range Rover waving to the crowd of onlookers for the Queen’s 90^th birthday.

Jaguar Land Rover posted its condolences and paid tribute to the Prince on Twitter: 

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Our thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen & Royal Family. The Duke devoted his life to public service and made a significant contribution to UK manufacturing, engineering and design.”