News of Prince Philip’s death of Friday morning reached ears across the globe – the 99-year-old’s stalwart presence within the royal family has been nothing short of unforgettable.
And now, as The Queen enters an eight-day period of mourning, we look to the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh- plans for which have now been confirmed.
What will Prince Philip’s funeral look like?
Plans for Prince Philip’s funeral are in motion, with Buckingham Palace now confirming the details.
The funeral will take place on Saturday, April 17 at 3pm in the UK (12am midnight in Australia).
Between now and then, Philip’s body will be laid at Windsor Castle in a coffin covered with flowers, though it will not be viewable to the public in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The body will lay there until his funeral at St George’s Chapel – the timing of which is yet to be confirmed by the Palace.
Members of the royal family, including Prince Harry who is flying back from the UK, will attend the funeral, but members of the public are being urged to refrain from coming to the location themselves to catch a glimpse of the proceedings.
On the 17th, Philip’s coffin will be “moved by a Bearer Party found by The Queen’s Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards. Positioned in the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle will be representative detachments drawn from His Royal Highness’s military special relationships,” according to the Palace statement.
The casket will then be built in a purpose-built landrover, which the Prince himself had a hand in the design of.
“Members of the Royal Family and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Household will walk behind the coffin from the Quadrangle, down Chapel Hill and into Horseshoe Cloister,” the Palace continued.
Atop the coffin will sit The Duke of Edinburgh’s Naval Cap and Sword ahead of the service.
In the days following Philip’s death, the UK’s affairs of state are currently on hold as a mark of respect, while an official 30 day period of mourning is underway for members of each royal household – guardsmen are already wearing black armbands.
Prince Philip’s funeral will part from several royal traditions.
(Getty)Where will Prince Philip be buried?
Confirmed by The Palace, Philip will rest in the Royal Vault in St George’s Chapel – though it is understood he will be moved when his wife The Queen passes away – the pair’s final resting place will be together.
Philip will likely be buried in the ground of Windsor Castle or Frogmore gardens.
(Buckingham Palace)Will Prince Harry attend Prince Philip’s funeral?
Prince Harry will fly back from his current base in the US to attend his grandfather’s funeral – confirmed by a Palace spokesperson to several major media outlets, it is expected the Duke of Sussex will be able to do so, despite several restrictions.
In line with current COVID-19 guidelines in the UK, it is understood Harry will quarantine for several days. He will then be tested for the virus and if his results come back negative, he should be able to join his family for the funeral.
Meanwhile his wife Duchess Meghan, who is currently in the late stages of pregnancy (per BAZAAR), will not be joining the proceedings – she has been advised by a medical professional not to fly.
It is unclear as to whether Meghan will fly back to the UK for Philip’s funeral alongside her husband, Prince Harry.
(Getty)Which other royals will attend Prince Philip’s funeral?
It is likely that all direct relatives of Prince Philip’s including his four children and their spouses, as well as Prince William and Duchess Catherine, Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice, Zara Tindall and others will attend the military-style funeral at St George’s chapel.
Charles has already travelled to Windsor to see the Queen in the hours following his father’s death, and released a statement on Sunday morning (Australian time) to share a statement about his father.
“As you can imagine, my family and I miss my father enormously. He was a much loved and appreciated figure and apart from anything else, I can imagine, he would be so deeply touched by the number of other people here and elsewhere around the world and the Commonwealth, who also I think, share our loss and our sorrow.” he said.
What else can we expect after Prince Philip’s death?
Per a statement from Buckingham Palace, the family are asking fans who wish to share their condolences by laying flowers and wreaths to instead consider making a donation to a charity.
The statement read: “With the safety and wellbeing of the public in mind, and in accordance with Government guidelines, members of the public are asked not to gather in crowds. Those wishing to express their condolences are asked to do so in the safest way possible, and not to gather at Royal Residences.
“During this time the Royal Family ask that members of the public consider making a donation to a charity instead of leaving floral tributes in memory of The Duke of Edinburgh.”
For more information on Prince Philip’s death and his life, read the links below
Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, has died aged 99
Queen Elizabeth & Prince Philip shared a beautiful love story
