Which Royals Will Attend Prince Philip’s Funeral
On Friday, April 9th the Palace announced that the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, has passed away at 99. He was at bedside with his wife Queen Elizabeth when he passed, having shared 70 years in marriage with her.
With the Queen going on an eight-day mourning period, plans are already being made around his arrangements for the funeral where he will be finally laid to rest. However, due to the still ongoing situation that we are in there will be changes to the whole process taking into consideration all the restrictions set by the government during these times.
The royal family is already in a ‘dilemma’ as for the ceremony only 30 people will be allowed to attend, leaving them to decide who that will be. So who should we expect at the Prince’s funeral?
Who to expect?
Although there is no official confirmation as of yet it is expected that more senior members of the royal family will be in attendance, as well as the Prime Minister of the UK Boris Johnson.
That includes the Queen, Prince Charles and his wife Camilla Parker-Bowles, Princess Anne and her spouse Timothy Laurence, Prince Andrew and Edward, and Prince William and wife Kate Middleton.
The one uncertain is Meghan Markle, Prince Harry’s wife, who is currently pregnant, on whether she will be joining her husband for the ceremony.
Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth have four children and eight grandchildren, without counting the spouses and all the great-grandchildren.
With the Prince of Edinburgh having such a rich past, filled with all kinds of connections with the military and all kinds of associates and friends, it is very unlikely that the whole of the royal family will be able to attend the service in his honour.
According to his own wishes, the Prince wanted a small funeral, with his wish being granted as he will have a small ceremonial funeral instead of a state funeral that was granted before he died.
When will the official ceremony take place?
As of yet, there is no confirmation on the date. The only thing we know is that the ceremony will take place at St George’s Chapel. After the ceremony, the body will be taken to the Royal Vault within the chapel, where he will be put to rest, with the Queen joining him there when she dies. It is known that the couple already has plans in place to be buried together so that can be together forever.
The College of Arms has confirmed that plans and has asked the public to not attempt to attend due to the risk of the virus still being high.