Prince Harry and Prince William will not walk next to each other during Prince Phillip’s funeral, palace says

Buckingham Palace released details of Saturday’s funeral for Prince Phillip including the surprising detail that Princes Harry and William will not walk next to each other during the procession.

Both brothers, and several other family members, will walk behind the coffin during the ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, but they will be buffered by cousin Peter Phillips (the son of Princess Anne).

The Palace was quick to put to bed any rumblings that there is behind-the-scenes drama occurring.

The lineup is more of “a practical change rather than sending a signal,” a Buckingham Palace spokesman told People. “This is a funeral and we are not going to be drawn into perceptions of drama. The arrangements have been agreed and represent Her Majesty’s wishes.”

Harry and William have been not-so-silently feuding with each other since Harry and wife Meghan Markle stepped down from their official royal duties in early 2020. During an interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021, Markle claimed that members of the royal family had made racist comments to her. The interview has reportedly increased tensions between the brothers and their spouses.

Harry and Meghan have since decamped to California. The prince returned to England earlier this week, but Markle, who is pregnant with the couple’s second child, was not medically cleared for an international flight.

Due to COVID-19, the funeral will be a small affair with only family members and close friends in attendance.