Prince George.Photo: The Duchess of Cambridge/Getty Images
Prince Georgeis shaping up to be another royal Land Rover fan, just like his great-grandfatherPrince Philip.
The British vehicle brand is synonymous withPrince Philip, whodiedin April at age 99. Queen Elizabeth’s husband had a lifelong love for Land Rovers, which reflected hisinterest in engineering and technology. A member of the public even left a toy Land Rover among the flowers and condolence letters placed near Buckingham Palace following Philip’s death.
Prince Philip leans against his Land Rover.Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty
Instead of the usual hearse,Prince Philipwanted his body to be taken to St. George’s Chapel at hisfuneralin a modified Land Rover. According to the palace, he started on the design with the car manufacturing company 18 years ago. Based on a Land Rover Defender TD 130, the vehicle was modified with an open-top rear section based on Philip’s specifications. It was also painted dark bronze green (per the royal’s instructions), which is the same color the British military uses for many of its Land Rovers.
The funeral of Prince Philip.Adrian Dennis/WPA Pool/Getty Images
Can’t get enough ofPEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!
Prince Williamand Kate, both 39, similarly honoredPrince Philipduring their May tour of Scotland. The royal couple arrived at an outdoor screening of the Disney movieCruellain a 2A Land Rover from 1966 that once belonged toPrince Philip.
Prince William and Kate Middleton.Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty
“I feel lucky to have not just had his example to guide me, but his enduring presence well into my own adult life – both through good times and the hardest days. I will always be grateful that my wife had so many years to get to know my grandfather and for the kindness he showed her. I will never take for granted the special memories my children will always have of their great-grandpa coming to collect them in his carriage and seeing for themselves his infectious sense of adventure as well as his mischievous sense of humour!
“My grandfather was an extraordinary man and part of an extraordinary generation. Catherine and I will continue to do what he would have wanted and will support The Queen in the years ahead. I will miss my Grandpa, but I know he would want us to get on with the job.”
source: people.com
