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I would nominate 21a as COD. I think it's beautifully constructed. For some reason, I found the answer quite moving.

It's funny Rainman, I had 21a circled as my COD but, in the end, I didn't choose it due to a slight laboured surface but now, looking at again, I regret at least not mentioning it in my initial post:-)

I agree 18,19,21, 26 all great clues.
26a was the one that would have made me sputter my tea had I been drinking any at the time. Lovely!
2d deserves an honourable mention - just because it can work. Very elegant and amazing to me.

Well if you are planning your own funeral that is going to be full of pomp and ceremony and you have a wicked sense of humour then why not include a comedy element with a Land River hearse?! It was a relief to see a light hearted side to what is of course a sombre day for the Royal family and the nation.

Hi FemmeNoire,

I didn't see the funeral - was PP's hearse really a Land Rover!?

Yes apparently designed and instigated by HRH.

https://news.sky.com/story/prince-philip-bespoke-land-rover-hearse-designed-by-duke-of-edinburgh-revealed-ahead-of-funeral-12276173

Thanks FemmeNoire,

You're right, I've just been reading about it and Prince Philip began designing and modifying it for this purpose 16 years ago, and made the final adjustments in 2019 - that's what you call thinking ahead.

Thanks Fop, I'll look forward to reading it.

All good fun, though I share the thoughts below about 1d. A couple of the GK clues needed a bit a research. Enjoyed 19 and 26. 17a reminded me of the ‘drop of Drambuie’ clue we had a while back and the discussion it provoked ;-)

Great clues, great puzzle, my COD 19a although there are many good ones, as usual not sure I've got them all correct but, I'm happy to have got through it unaided. Enjoying sunny days. But keeping safe. Have a good week all.