Prince Philip: Funeral to take place on 17 April

A national minute’s silence will mark the start of the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral next Saturday at 15:00 BST at St George’s Chapel, in Windsor, Buckingham Palace has announced.

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 spokesman for the Palace said: “Whilst this is a time of sadness and mourning the coming days will be an opportunity to celebrate a remarkable life.”

Only 30 people – expected to be the duke’s children, grandchildren and other close family – will attend the ceremony as guests, but Prince Harry’s wife the Duchess of Sussex has been advised by her doctor not to travel for the funeral, the spokesman added.

Members of the Royal Family have visited the Queen at Windsor Castle following the duke’s death on Friday.

The Countess of Wessex said “the Queen has been amazing” as she left the castle with the Earl of Wessex on Saturday.

The Duke of York also visited on Saturday, while the Prince of Wales travelled there on Friday afternoon.

(BBC)