Dawn breaks over Windsor on day of Prince Philip's funeral: Queen prepares to bid farewell to her husband of 73 years at service

A golden glow fell over the grounds of Windsor Castle this morning as dawn broke on the day HRH Prince Philip will be laid to rest. 

The eyes of the world will be on the royal residence today as the Queen says her final goodbye to the Duke of Edinburgh, her husband of 73 years.

In pre-pandemic times thousands of mourners would have travelled to the Berkshire town to pay their respects, but the Royal Family, the Government and police are asking the public to stay away, according to the Daily Mail.

Early this morning members of the armed forces, police, security and the media were taking up positions around the castle ahead of this afternoon's ceremony.

While much of the typical pageantry has been pared back, Buckingham Palace said the funeral will still reflect Philip's life of service and the plans he himself spent years fine-tuning. 

The Queen, 94, will say a private farewell to her husband, who she once called her 'strength and stay', before his body is driven to the chapel tailed by a small procession including Philip's four children and three grandsons.