THE UK and the Royal Family are in mourning over the death of Prince Philip, who has passed away at the age of 99.
The Duke of Edinburgh has been gravely ill this year – and as the tears flow across the nation, attentions will slowly turn to his funeral arrangements.
Read our live blog for the very latest news on Prince Philip’s death…
When is Prince Philip’s funeral?
The Duke of Edinburgh sadly died on on April 9, 2021 after a spell of health scares earlier in the year.
And as many across the globe will pay tribute to Prince Philip, who was married to the Queen for more than 70 years, as they look ahead to paying their respects when he is laid to rest.
But it is not known at this time as to when his funeral will take place.
Will Prince Philip have a state funeral?
As the consort of the Queen, Prince Philip is entitled to a state funeral.
But the Duke of Edinburgh will not be given one as expressed by his own wishes.
Instead, he will be given a military funeral, with a private service held at St George’s Chapel in Windsor and burial in Frogmore Gardens.
Had the Duke of Edinburgh requested a state funeral, it would have likely involved a military procession to Westminster Abbey where his body would lie in state for members of the public to pay their respects. A service at either Westminster Abbey or St Paul’s Cathedral would have followed, before burial in St. George’s Chapel.
The last state funeral for a member of the royal family took place in 1952 following the death of King George VI. The Queen’s father was laid to rest in St George’s Chapel.
What are the funeral details?
The date, time and location of the funeral are yet to be confirmed, but in keeping in line with the Duke’s wishes, the service is likely to be held at St George’s Chapel.
However, despite the arrangements originally being decided decades in advance, the funeral details will now be changed in accordance with how the UK is handling the coronavirus pandemic.
Buckingham Palace regularly review these plans – known as Operation Forth Bridge – and the Queen and Prince Philip have been advised on them throughout the Covid outbreak, in case one of them dies.
Organisers are keen to keep the funeral procession to a minimum to avoid attracting large gatherings.
Meanwhile, with funerals currently limited to 30 people, the Queen may have to decide who will be allowed to attend.
Family members – along with the monarch herself – could be forced to wear face coverings and socially distance with their own households.
A military presence is expected to honour the Duke of Edinburgh, while TV cameras will not be allowed inside the chapel for the service.
However, the day itself will receive extensive TV coverage both in the UK and around the world.
