Prince Philip: What are the plans for his funeral? | Sunday Observer

Prince Philip: What are the plans for his funeral?

11 April, 2021
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at the Palace of Westminster after the state opening of Parliament on May 8, 2013 in London.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at the Palace of Westminster after the state opening of Parliament on May 8, 2013 in London.

Funeral preparations are under way for Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II’s husband, who died on Friday aged 99.

Details will be announced in the coming days, but it is expected to be a ceremonial event rather than a large state affair usually associated with the death of a monarch.

What will happen next?

The UK government has announced that union jacks and national flags will fly at half-mast on all government buildings until 08:00 BST on the day following the funeral. Union jacks on royal buildings, where the Queen is not in residence, will also fly at half-mast.

The Royal Standard, which represents the sovereign and continuation of the monarchy, never flies at half-mast and will be flown at full mast where the Queen is present.

Gun salutes will take place at 12:00 BST on Saturday to honour the duke. Guns at locations across the UK and in Gibraltar will fire 41 rounds at one round every minute for 40 minutes.

Royal Navy ships at sea, including HMS Diamond and HMS Montrose, will also fire the salute, a tribute to the duke, who served as a naval officer during World War Two and held, among other titles, the office of Lord High Admiral.

The public are encouraged to observe the gun salutes from home, online or on television.

Out of respect, the main political parties in England, Scotland and Wales have suspended campaigning for next month’s elections. The House of Commons will sit on Monday for MPs to pay their tributes to the duke.

How can the public pay their respects?

Coronavirus restrictions on mass gatherings in England mean the long-held plans for the days leading up to the funeral, and the funeral itself, have been amended.

Members of the public have been asked not to try to attend any of the funeral events, in line with public health advice.

The Royal Family has also asked people not to leave flowers and tributes at royal residences.

On the Royal Family website, members of the public are asked to consider making a donation to a charity instead of leaving floral tributes in memory of the duke. An online book of condolence is also available for the public to post their personal tributes.

A plaque that was displayed outside Buckingham Palace, announcing the duke’s death, was later removed because of concerns it would attract crowds. However, people have started to leave flowers, cards and tributes outside the palace and at Windsor Castle, despite requests not to do so.

 

Comments