Since it’s been over a year since Philip’s death, a number of Twitter users have asked a serious question: is the Royal Vault where Prince Philip currently resides just a really big, fancy freezer? In short, no. Prince Philip may not have been officially considered buried as he awaited his final resting place at the Queen’s side, but the Royal Vault is actually a common burial site for royals, with many kings and queens. Although it’s not in the fridge, it is underground — the Royal Vault is a burial chamber beneath St George’s Chapel in Windsor, carved between 1804 and 1810. But like all members of the royal family, Philip’s coffin was lined with lead, which prevents moisture from entering and slows decay. It can even keep the body up to a year. The first royal to be laid to rest in the Royal Vault was Princess Amelia, daughter of King George III, in 1810. According to Windsor Castle, the Royal Vault contains approximately 15 princes and princesses, as well as three kings and several queens, among other royals. Within St. George’s Chapel as a whole, there are many other tombs and dedicated burial grounds housing other Royals as well. King Henry VIII and Charles I lie in another area of the chapel known as the Quire, while Edward IV, Henry VII and Queen Alexandra are buried in the Quire Aisles. It is not unusual for royals to be moved after burial, with King George V and King George VI both having been moved from the Royal Vault to separate tombs in the chapel itself. Philip, likewise, will not have to go far to join the Queen. A new annex to the chapel was created for the body of King George VI in 1969 called the King George VI Memorial and this is where Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip will be officially laid to rest. As well as St George’s Chapel, many royals are also buried in the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore House.
