The husband of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, died on Friday. The death has set in action the carefully planned long events that will be completed with his funeral.
A major royal death was planned years before.
However, the details are kept a secret. Furthermore, some plans will have to be changed because of the restrictions Coronavirus has caused in the United Kingdom.
It has been understood that all proposals must be signed by the Queen beforehand, but it’s unclear if this has happened yet.
Furthermore, it is unknown how much of a role Prince Philip played in planning his funeral.
Nonetheless, some renowned parts of Prince Philip’s death arrangements have gotten the codename “Forth Bridge from the royal staff, government ministers, and media partners.
The following things will be announced.
What will happen with Prince Philip’s Remains?
The remains of Prince Philip are at Windsor Castle. This royal residence is west of London, where Prince Philip and the Queen reside in the current months.
For his last weeks, in the middle of March, Prince Philip returned to the castle after he was discharged from a London hospital following his heart surgery.
His remains will lie in the castle until his St. George’s Chapel funeral.
According to the royal corporation, the College of Arms plays an essential role in planning; this arrangement was made with Prince Philip’s royal custom and wishes.
Tributes
Many Britians throughout the country mourn when a prominent royal dies.
In the last decades, we saw thousands of people fill the country streets to remember the lives of Princess Diana at her death and the death of Queen Mother.
Boris Johnson, the Prime Minister of Britain, on Friday said:
“We mourn today with Her Majesty the Queen. We offer our condolences to her and all her family, and we give thanks, as a nation and a Kingdom, for the extraordinary life and work of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.”
On the day after Prince Philip’s funeral, the royal buildings will have flags flying at half-staff until 8 a.m. (3 a.m. ET).
It will include all the UK’s “official” flags — the Union Jack, England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland flags, plus cadets and ships’ colors.
The flags on many government buildings, like 10 Downing Street, have already been lowered.
Furthermore, flags flying at half-mast were seen on the Sydney Harbor Bridge on Saturday in Australia.
Many public tributes were in the plan for Prince Philip’s death, but they are most likely to get obstructed because of the restrictions made on gatherings due to the Coronavirus.
Recently, gatherings outside with six people or more or two households have been banned in the UK.
On Friday, the College of Arms had to inform the public regretfully not to attend or participate in funeral events.
The government gave the same advice, as a Cabinet Office spokesperson in a statement said:
“Although this is a tough time for many, we are asking the public not to gather at Royal Residences and continue to follow public health advice, particularly on avoiding meeting in large groups and minimizing travel.”
Furthermore, the spokesperson added:
“We are supporting the Royal Household in asking that floral tributes should not be laid at Royal Residences at this time.”
On Saturday at noon, Gun salutes will be fired across the UK.
The Ministry of Defense, in a statement, wrote:
“Across the United Kingdom, in Gibraltar and on HM Ships at sea, saluting batteries will fire 41 rounds at one round every minute for 40 minutes.”
He further added:
“The public is encouraged to observe the gun salutes from home; they will take place behind closed doors but broadcast online and on television.”
Prince Philip’s Funeral
The duke’s funeral will not be like the funerals held for most senior royals because of the Coronavirus situation.
The funeral will happen at the St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. It will not be a state funeral like it would be if a Queen were to die.
Many ceremonial funerals will be televised and will have some public involvement.
However, any ceremonies or processions done by the military will happen within the castle’s walls so that public members do not gather.
A funeral like this would usually be attended by state heads worldwide.
However, now, only 30 people are allowed to attend a funeral in the United Kingdom because of social distancing.
Therefore, only Prince Philip’s close friends and family members will attend his funeral.
What Happens in Royal Mourning?
Members of the Royal Family and their Households, along with troops on Ceremonial Duties, will observe Royal Mourning. During this time, the Royal Family will carry on with their suitable engagements. They will wear mourning bands as needed.
