The Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral will be held on Saturday and confined entirely to Windsor Castle following an eight-minute ceremonial procession within the castle’s grounds, Buckingham Palace has said.
The arrangements, which “very much” reflect the duke’s wishes, have been adapted in light of the Covid pandemic. The Duke of Sussex will fly in from his home in the US to join other members of the Royal Family at the ceremony.
Earlier, royal gun salutes across the UK and at sea marked the duke’s death. There will be eight days of national mourning ahead of the televised funeral, which will be a ceremonial event rather than a large state affair usually associated with the death of a monarch.
Prince Philip will also not lie in state – where members of the public would have been able to view his coffin.
A period of national mourning began on Friday, with the announcement of the duke’s death, and will continue until after the funeral, the government has said. The Queen has decided that a two-week period of royal mourning will be observed by members of the royal family, who will continue to undertake appropriate engagements only, and will wear black mourning bands.
A palace spokesperson said: “Although the ceremonial arrangements are reduced, the occasion will still celebrate and recognise the duke’s life and his more than 70 years of service to the Queen, the UK and the Commonwealth.”
Philip lies at rest in the chapel at Windsor Castle. There will be no lying in state, which accords with his wishes. On Saturday 17 April, the coffin will be moved in a small ceremonial procession from the state entrance of Windsor Castle to St George’s Chapel for the service.
Coronavirus restrictions mean that the congregation will be a maximum of 30 mourners, including the Queen, members of the royal family, and the duke’s private secretary. The number excludes the bearer party and clergy.
At the conclusion, the duke will be interred in the royal vault in St George’s Chapel.
“While it is naturally a time of sadness and mourning for the royal family, and the many others who knew and admired the Duke of Edinburgh, it is hoped that the coming days will also be seen as an opportunity to celebrate a remarkable life – remarkable both in terms of his vast contribution and lasting legacy,” said the palace spokesperson.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has of course required us to make some adaptations to the original arrangements for His Royal Highness’s funeral; however, we are certain the occasion will be no less fitting a farewell to His Royal Highness, marking his significant duty and service to the nation and the Commonwealth.
“While there is sadness that the public will not physically be able to be part of the events to commemorate the duke, the royal family ask that anyone wishing to express their condolences do so in the safest way possible, and not by visiting Windsor or any other royal palaces to pay their respects.”
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