Soldier from borough drives hearse at Prince Philip's funeral

Driver Corporal Louis Murray, from Atherton, was one of two soldiers chosen to drive the hearse, a specially-adapted Land Rover Defender, from Windsor Castle to St George’s Chapel.

Corporal Murray and his colleague, Corporal Craig French, were selected for the role from 8 Training Battalion of The Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (8 Trg Bn REME).

The 29-year-old told the Army's website: "It is a great privilege and a once-in-lifetime thing to do. I’m very proud and I think my family will be very proud too.

“My Grandad, who passed away, was very, very fond of Prince Philip, he thought he was a great man and there are not many people who can say they drove the vehicle that carried His Royal Highness’s coffin.

"It is an honour to do so.”

Vehicle mechanics by trade, both corporals work as staff instructors at the Prince Philip Barracks in Wiltshire.

All eyes were on the Land Rover Defended as Corporal Murray, assisted by Corporal French, piloted it at walking pace to the west steps of the chapel at Windsor on Saturday afternoon.

The vehicle was designed and made to Prince Philip's custom specifications.

The Duke of Edinburgh, who was 99 when he died, had a long affinity both with the vehicle and the REME, having been made Colonel-in-Chief of the Corps back in 1969.

The REME is responsible for providing engineering support and maintaining the British Army s vehicles and equipment.

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