A small funeral service has been slated for the Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle on April 17, to respect Covid-19 restrictions.
Prince Philip is expected to be given a ceremonial royal funeral rather than a state one and will not lie in state for the public due to the pandemic restrictions.
The current Coronavirus rules in England limit the number of people who can attend funerals to 30.
A statement released by the College of Arms on Friday reads: “The funeral will not be a State Funeral and will not be preceded by a Lying-in-State. His Royal Highness’s body will lie at rest in Windsor Castle ahead of the funeral in St George’s Chapel. This is in line with custom and with His Royal Highness’s wishes.
“The funeral arrangements have been revised in view of the prevailing circumstances arising from the Covid-19 pandemic and it is regretfully requested that members of the public do not attempt to attend or participate in any of the events that make up the funeral.”
Under normal circumstances, Prince Philip would have been accorded a state burial. There would have been a military procession to Westminster Abbey where the public would pay their respects to the Duke.
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National mourning
However, the UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson recommended eight days of national mourning and it was approved by the queen starting from Friday, April 9 to the day of his burial and as usual union flags will remain at half-mast.
Prince Philip’s body is currently resting in the private chapel at Windsor Castle and will be moved on April 17 to St George’s Chapel ahead of the funeral.
National minute’s silence
The funeral will begin with a national minute’s silence at 3pm and will be broadcast live on TV. The Duke will be given a military funeral, with a private service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle and burial in Frogmore Gardens.
Philip, who was officially the Duke of Edinburgh on account of his marriage to Queen Elizabeth II, died peacefully at Windsor Castle on Friday, April 9, 2021, at the age of 99.
The late Prince Philip was the nation’s longest-serving consort. His marriage to the Queen lasted for 73 years and was blessed with four children.