Details are being released about Prince Philip's funeral
It's beginning to sink in that Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, has sadly died at the age of 99, making him the longest serving consort in British royal history. The royal family announced the news via a statement on social media, which read: "His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."
With the Queen and country officially in mourning, many will be wondering about the funeral arrangements for the Duke of Edinburgh. While the Queen, as Monarch, will be entitled to a state funeral when she passes away, Prince Philip will instead have a ceremonial funeral. This is what the Duke wanted, as he hated "fuss" and reportedly left strict instructions for something much more low-key for his farewell.
It's been confirmed that Prince Philip's funeral will take place at St George's Chapel in Windsor, which was always the plan (royal funerals are planned well in advance, somewhat morbidly). The chapel is the same location where his grandchildren Prince Harry and Princess Eugenie respectively got married to Meghan Markle and Jack Brooksbank in 2018. However, arrangements for the funeral have been amended slightly due to the coronavirus pandemic.
When will Prince Philip's funeral take place?
Specifics of the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral including date and time haven't yet been confirmed. Buckingham Palace has said it will announce the detailed arrangements on the Royal website, which currently reads: "During the coronavirus pandemic, and in light of current Government advice and social distancing guidelines, modified Funeral and ceremonial arrangements for His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh are being considered by Her Majesty The Queen. Details will be confirmed in due course."
It's expected that the funeral will take place in around a week's time, in line with typical custom. When the Queen Mother died in 2002, her funeral took place 10 days after her death.
Will Prince Philip lie in state?
Prince Philip's funeral will not be a state funeral, and he will not lie in state. However, he will lie at rest ahead of a funeral, which is "in line with custom and with His Royal Highness's wishes".
What's not been confirmed is exactly where he will lie at rest; some expect this to be at Windsor Castle, while others believe the Duke of Edinburgh's coffin will be driven to the Chapel Royal at St James' Palace, where a private vigil among family members will take place. If the latter is the case, it's believed Prince Philip will remain at St James' Palace until the day of the funeral.
Are the public invited to attend Prince Philip's funeral?
Due to coronavirus, the public is not being invited to attend any public mourning of the Duke of Edinburgh. A Buckingham Palace statement reads, "In accordance with public health advice, members of the public are asked to continue to follow the current Government guidance, not to gather in crowds, and not to visit Royal residences to pay their respects."
The original funeral plans would have invited around 800 mourners to attend the funeral, including family, friends, representatives from the Duke's military units, the charities for which he was patron, and people associated with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme. Now, however, the royal family will be conducting the funeral in a COVID-friendly manner, which means the service will be limited to 30 guests. It will, however, most likely be televised.
Instead of making a personal attendance at any aspect of Prince Philip's funeral, the royal family has asked that "members of the public consider making a donation to a charity instead of leaving floral tributes in memory of The Duke of Edinburgh."
An online Book of Condolence has also been made available for people to leave messages and to pay their respects, which can be done via the official website.
You Might Also Like
