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Prince Philip’s funeral arrangements: Where, when and who will attend

Photo credit: WPA Pool - Getty Images
Photo credit: WPA Pool - Getty Images

The Queen’s husband, Prince Philip sadly passed away on Friday 9th April at the age of 99. Also known by his official title, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip had been the Queen’s husband for 73 years, as well as her consort, since she became Queen in 1952.

His funeral will take place on Saturday, 17th April, at 15:00 BST at St George's Chapel, in Windsor, Buckingham Palace has announced. There will be eight days of national mourning until that date.

A spokesman for the Palace said: "Whilst this is a time of sadness and mourning the coming days will be an opportunity to celebrate a remarkable life."

The arrangements, which will "celebrate and reflect" a life of service, have been adapted in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

The details of Prince Philip’s funeral were announced the day after his passing (10th April) and it has been revealed that the Duke will have a quieter, more private service than would usually be expected for a member of the royal family. This is partly due to it being his wishes to avoid a large-scale event and partly due to restrictions around the coronavirus pandemic.

While large gatherings are not currently able to take place, Prince Philip has been honoured in many other ways, including with military gun salutes in his honour across the UK as well as in Gibraltar and on Navy ships at sea. The public are also able to contribute to Prince Philip's Book of Condolence on the Royal website.

The Duke of Sussex will be flying back from the US to join his family.

World leaders and officials who met the Duke during his decades of service have shared their memories, with many referencing his famous sense of humour and candour.

Photo credit: Getty Images
Photo credit: Getty Images

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern publicly paid her respects, as did every living US president, including Barack Obama, who shared his memories of meeting the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh for the first time.

In a post on his official Facebook account, Obama said, “Prince Philip in particular was kind and warm, with a sharp wit and unfailing good humour. It was our first introduction to the man behind the title, and in the years since, our admiration for him has only grown."

When is Prince Philip’s funeral?

The Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral will take place on Saturday, 17th April, at 15:00 BST.

Where will Prince Philip’s funeral be?

Prince Philip’s funeral service will be held at St George's Chapel in Windsor.

Will Prince Philip have a state funeral?

Prince Philip will rest in Windsor Castle instead of lying-in-state, which is where the public would usually view the coffin and go to pay their respects.

Prince Philip will not have a traditional state funeral, instead a small service will take place at St George's Chapel, Windsor.

Social distancing and other restrictions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic have meant large gatherings will not be possible, however it was also Prince Philip's wishes to have a more smaller scale event.

What will happen at Prince Philip’s funeral?

Since the announcement of Prince Philip's passing, flags on all government buildings and any official residences where the Queen is not currently staying, have been lowered to half mast. The flags will stay at half-mast until 8am the morning after the funeral.

On the day of the funeral, Prince Philip's coffin will be moved the short distance to St George's Chapel for the service.

The Prince of Wales, along with other members of the Royal Family, will walk behind the coffin, and the Queen will travel separately to the chapel.

After the service, the duke will be interred in the Royal Vault of the chapel.

The public have been asked not to attend any of the events, in line with public health advice, and people have been asked not to leave flowers and tributes at royal residences.

How will coronavirus restrictions affect Prince Philip’s funeral?

Due to restrictions around the pandemic, Prince Philip’s funeral will be a smaller affair. The public have been asked not to attend any of the events or leave messages or flowers in person.

Who will be at Prince Philip’s funeral?

Guests are expected to include the Queen, their four children Princes Charles, Andrew and Edward and Princess Anne, and the eight grandchildren including Prince Harry who is flying back from the US. Due to coronavirus restrictions the numbers will be greatly limited.

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