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Why the Queen sat alone at Prince Philip's funeral

Today (Saturday 17 April) sees the funeral of Prince Philip take place in St George’s Chapel in Windsor, following the Duke of Edinburgh's very sad death last Friday (9 April) at the age of 99.

Unfortunately, due to coronavirus-related restrictions, only 30 guests were able to attend, despite 800 mourners having initially been on the list in the original, non-pandemic funeral plans. One other side effect of the COVID-19 rules is that the Queen sat alone during the chapel service.

Naturally this would have been difficult for Her Majesty (as it would be for anybody who has recently lost a loved one) but Buckingham Palace previously confirmed that all mourners inside St George's Chapel were to sit in the Quire two metres apart from anyone who is not a member of their own household.

The Queen and other guests in attendance at the Ceremonial Royal Funeral were also seen wearing precautionary face masks.

Photo credit: Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images
Photo credit: Max Mumby/Indigo - Getty Images

The funeral procession began at 2.40pm on Saturday afternoon, and saw Prince Philip's coffin transported via modified Land Rover (which the Duke himself had a hand in designing) to the chapel.

In attendance was a mix of family, as well as a few close associates of the Duke of Edinburgh.

The full list of mourners is as follows:

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

Prince Harry flew into the UK from Los Angeles earlier this week and shared a moving and personal tribute to his grandfather which, much like his brother Prince William's, referenced the Duke's sense of humour and work ethic.

The Queen also decided on a last minute change of dress code for the funeral, stating that none of the male members of the family were to wear a military uniform. It's thought that this decision was made so that Prince Harry, who was stripped of his honorary military titles when he stepped down from his senior working position, won't be the only one in civilian attire.

Through her choice of jewellery for the event, the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, paid a sweet tribute to Her Majesty, by opting to wear two very special pieces that she'd be loaned from the Queen's personal collection.

Our thoughts are with the entire Royal Family during this very sad time.


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