Things to Know about Prince Philip's Funeral
Apr 12, 2021
Funeral preparations are going on for Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II's husband, who died on Friday aged 99. The ceremonial royal funeral will be held at St George's Chapel, on the grounds of Windsor Castle, at 15:00 BST on Saturday, 17 April. UK is officially in a period of national mourning for the next week and here are all the plans for the funeral ceremony.
It is going to be a ceremonial funeral but there will be no public processions, and the royal household will follow all government guidelines, meaning that only 30 people will be in attendance at the event.
Date:
The Duke of Edinburgh’s ceremonial royal funeral will take place on Saturday, April 17 at 3 pm in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace said.
Location of the funeral:
As per sources, Prince Philip requested a funeral with minimal arrangements. He will not lie in a state meaning where people will not be able to view his coffin. Instead, he will lie at rest in the private chapel at Windsor Castle until the day of the funeral. His burial may take place at Frogmore Gardens. The duke's coffin is draped in his personal flag, his standard. The flag represents elements of his life, from his Greek heritage to his British titles. A wreath of flowers has also been placed on the coffin.
Guests:
Just 30 people will attend, instead of 800 as originally planned. A full guest list is yet to be announced, but it will be formed of the Queen, and the monarch and Philip’s children and grandchildren.
Face masks:
Everyone will be required to wear face masks, and must be socially distance from one another.
One minute silence:
A national wide minute silence will take place at 3 pm on Saturday at the start of the funeral.
Harry and Meghan:
As Meghan is pregnant she has been advised by her doctor not to travel to the UK for the funeral, but the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry will be present.
Royal mourning:
The Queen and the royal family have entered two weeks of royal mourning, starting from the day of Philip’s death.
Televised address:
It is not yet known whether the Queen will decide to give a televised address in tribute to Philip.
