STOCKHOLM: A ceremony has been held in Stockholm to honour Britain's Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, ahead of his funeral in the United Kingdom.

The duke was made a Knight of Sweden's most prominent order, the "Order of the Seraphim" in 1954 by Sweden's previous monarch, King Gustaf VI Adolf. 

"This is to salute the memory of the dead knight of the order," said Per Sandin, Vice Chancellor of the Royal Order of Knighthood. "It's kind of a 'thank you' and 'goodbye' from the royal household of Sweden," he added.

Bells rang out from Stockholm's Riddarholm Church for a full hour to honour the late prince.

Meanwhile, in nearby Denmark, flags were flown at half mask at the Danish Royal Palace.