The rise of the unique hearse
Originally published: April 2021
Updated: April 2026
The funeral of Prince Philip was held on Saturday 17 April 2021 at St George’s Chapel. He died a few months before his 100 birthday.
Although the funeral of Prince Philip was traditional in a lot of ways, despite the Covid-19 restrictions, there was a marked contrast to previous royal funerals. Instead of a traditional hearse, Prince Philip opted for a green Land Rover hearse.
It has been widely reported that the Prince apparently joked to the Queen about his funeral, saying “Just stick me in the back of a Land Rover and drive me to Windsor.” He got that wish! With Land Rovers having been his favourite vehicle for many years, what better way to personalise his final journey.
Work began on designing and creating the Land Rover over 16 years before his funeral. Prince Philip oversaw the work personally, with some final adjustments being made in 2019. The vehicle was repainted in military green at his request, with the open-top rear and ‘stops’ to secure it in place also his suggestion.
Can I have a unique funeral hearse?
We wholeheartedly believe that all funerals should be personal and fitting to the person that has died. No two lives are the same so why should the funeral be? At Tom Owen and Son, we take the time to get to know the life story of the person who has died, their hobbies and interests so we can make suggestions to ensure that the service is completely bespoke.
Personalisation isn’t just restricted to the flowers you choose, or the coffin but can also include the hearse. Over the last few years, there has been an increase in unique funeral transport. From Land Rover hearses, to leopard print or a rainbow hearse, to a motorcycle hearse.
Kelly, Funeral Director says “I saw a video recently of a haulage truck company owners funeral, and they had built a custom made haulage truck for his coffin. He was proceeded by a cortege of haulage trucks and it was a very fitting tribute for him.”
What alternative hearses can I hire for a funeral in Colwyn Bay?
For funerals within Llandudno Conwy and Colwyn Bay there are a variety of alternative hearses available to hire.
Horse and Carriage
We have assisted a few families to have a horse and carriage funeral hearse. With white or black horses and carriages available, the plumes on the horses can be personlised with a favourite colour. There is something quite majestical seeing a horse and carriage travelling through Llandudno.
Horse Drawn Hearse for hire in Llandudno
Land Rover Hearse
We source our Land Rover Hearse from https://www.onelifelivedit.com/One Life Lived It, who can provide either a black or green Land Rover Defender Hearse for hire in Llandudno.
Rainbow Hearse
We source alternative colourful hearses, in Leopard Print or Rainbow Print from Green's Carriage Masters. These non-traditional hearses provide a colourful backdrop to any funeral service at Colwyn Bay Crematorium.
Motorbike hearse
A great alternative to a traditional hearse, is a motor cycle hearse. Perfect for those looking for their final ride to be like no other.
Funeral Cortege
A funeral hearse doesn't have to be the only transport included. We have helped a family organise a funeral service at Colwyn Bay Crematorium, where his love of Sprite cars saw us have a 20 car cortege following.
