16- April-2021

Prince Philip sadly passed away last week at the age of 99, his funeral is now going to be on Saturday 17th, April 2021. The funeral will be held at St George’s Chapel in Windsor. With Covid-19 there will be no public procession and there will be no public access, only 30 mourners are expected to be at his funeral and they will have to be socially distanced and are also expected to wear facemasks. On the day of the funeral which will start at 3pm, a minute silence will be held all across the country to mourn Prince Philip. The funeral will be broadcasted live from 3pm on BBC One.

The Duke is currently lying at rest in the private chapel of Windsor Castle on Saturday the coffin will be moved in a small ceremonial procession from the state entrance to St George’s Chapel for the funeral service which will begin at 3pm with a national minutes silence. Prince Philip’s coffin will be carried through the grounds of Windsor Castle in a modified Land Rover, in which Prince Philip designed himself for the occasion. The Prince of Wales and other senior members of the Royal family will follow the coffin on foot as it is driven to St George’s Chapel. The Queen will not take part in the procession. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson confirmed that it would not be a state occasion, in accordance with the Duke’s wishes, Her Majesty gave final approval to the plans.

The Duke’s coffin will be covered by his personal standard, together with a wreath of flowers, and his naval cap and sword. His insignia, the medals and decorations conferred on him by the UK and Commonwealth countries together with his Field Marshal’s baton and Royal Air Force Wings and insignia from Denmark and Greece will be placed on cushions on the alter in the chapel. After the funeral the Duke will be interred in the Royal family vault beneath St George’s chapel.

A Palace spokesperson said: “While this is naturally a time of sadness and mourning for the Royal family, and many other who knew or admired the Duke of Edinburgh, it is hoped that the coming days will also been seen as a opportunity to celebrate a remarkable life, remarkable both in terms of his vast contribution and lasting legacy.” “The Covid-19 Pandemic has of course required us to make significant adaptations to the original arrangements for his Royal Highness’s funeral. However, we are certain that the occasion will be no less fitting a farewell to his Royal Highness, marking his significant duty and service to the nation, and the Commonwealth.”

The UK will be in a national mourning from the 9th April until the funeral day which is 17th April. Union Jacks and national flags will fly at half-mast on all government buildings. Union jacks on Royal buildings where the Queen is not in residence will also fly at half-mast. Members of the Royal family will continue to attend engagements and wear black mourning bands where it is appropriate. The Queen carried out a royal engagement on Tuesday, hosting a audience with Earl Peel.

The royal family has also asked people not to leave flowers and tributes at royal residences. On the royal family website, members of the public are asked to consider to make a donation to a charity instead of leaving floral tributes in memory of the Prince Philip. An online book of condolences is also available for the public to post their personal tributes.