THE QUEEN paid a heartfelt tribute to her late husband today as she prepared for his memorial service.

Her Majesty, 95, arranged for Prince Philip’s Thanksgiving Service to be held at Westminster Abbey after his funeral was postponed due to Covid last year.

The Duke of Edinburgh, 99, was laid to rest last spring, when singing was prohibited and attendance was limited to only 30 people due to Covid regulations.

Today’s memorial service, on the other hand, was a more upbeat affair, with the Queen said to have been “actively involved” in the day’s planning.

Her Majesty chose to include the flowers she and Philip had on their wedding day – white orchids – in the service as a particularly personal touch.

The flowers for the day were red, white, and blue, representing the colours of the Union Jack flag.

Smaller posies included orchids, red freesias, alstroemeria, and spray roses, white dendrobium orchids, freesias, and Eustoma, and blue iris and eryngium.

Larger floral arrangements featured red roses, carnations, and Gerbera, white roses, Eustoma, and large white chrysanthemums, as well as blue agapanthus, delphinium, and eryngium [also known as sea holly].

In 1947, orchids were used in The Queen’s wedding bouquet.

Meanwhile, Majesty Magazine reports that sea holly was chosen as a touching tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh’s naval career.

As part of Philip’s wishes, Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award holders and members of the youth UK Cadet Force associations will line the steps today as the 1,800-strong crowd arrives.

After Covid put an end to the royal’s funeral wishes, the hymn Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer was also sung.

As part of Prince Philip’s longstanding relationship with the Armed Forces, the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth (Royal Band) provided rousing music before and after the ceremony.

Prayers were also offered for the duke’s “character gifts; for his humour and resilience; for his fortitude and devotion to duty.”

Philip was involved with over 700 charities and organisations and performed 22,200 solo performances.

The royal – the Queen’s longest-standing consort – also accompanied her on numerous tours and engagements.