Plans for a major royal death are being made years in advance, though details are being kept very private and the coronavirus restrictions currently in place in the UK should mean that some aspects of the strategy need to change.
CNN understands that the Queen should sign off on any proposals and it is not known if that has already happened. It is also unclear how much Philip himself played in the plans for his funeral.
But some notable parts of the arrangements for Philip’s death – called “Forth Bridge” by government ministers, royal staff and media partners – have been announced and will take place as follows.
Philip’s remains are at Windsor Castle, the royal residence just west of London, where he and the Queen have been living for the past few months.
His body will lie in rest in the castle, before his funeral at the St. George Chapel, also on site. The arrangement is in line with the royal usage and according to Philip’s wishes, according to the College of Arms, the royal corporation that plays a key role in the planning.
Tributes
A great royal death calls for expression of mourning for many Britons. In the deaths of Princess Diana and the Queen Mother in recent decades, thousands of streets across the country have filled to commemorate their lives.
The British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, said on Friday: “We mourn the Queen today with her majesty. We express her condolences to her and her entire family, and thank you as a people and a kingdom for the extraordinary life and work of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. ‘
Flags on royal buildings are flown on the next day from Philip’s funeral until 8 p.m. 3 hours ET flew. It includes all the ‘official’ flags of the United Kingdom: the Union Jack, the flags of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, plus flags and ship colors.
Flags above most government buildings, including 10 Downing Street, were also lowered.
Public tributes have been included in plans for Philip’s death, though it is likely to be interrupted by coronavirus – related restrictions on gatherings. Outside gatherings of more than six people or two households are currently banned in England, with similar restrictions elsewhere in the UK.
On Friday, the College of Arms “deplorably requested that members of the public not attempt to attend or participate in the events of the funeral.”
Similar advice was given by the government. ‘Although it is an extremely difficult time for many people, we ask the public not to gather at Royal Residences, and we must continue to follow public health advice, especially to avoid meetings in large groups and to reduce travel , ‘said a cabinet spokesman. statement.
“We support the Royal Household in requesting that no flower tributes be laid at Royal Residences at this time,” the spokesman added.
The British Ministry of Defense wrote in a statement that it would fire salons in the UK by noon. “Across the UK, in Gibraltar and on HM ships at sea, salute batteries will fire 40 rounds per minute 40 minutes per minute,” it wrote.
“The public is encouraged to observe the gun salutes from home, it will take place behind closed doors, but will be broadcast online and on television,” the statement added.
The funeral
The current situation in the coronavirus threatens to make the duke’s funeral unrecognizable from those previously held for most senior royals.
It will be at the St. George’s Chapel takes place in Windsor Castle, and unlike the one that will take place when the Queen dies, it will not be a state funeral.
Even a so-called ‘ceremonial’ funeral would normally be televised and contain public elements, but any military ceremonies or processions are likely to take place behind castle walls to discourage the public from gathering.
Usually such a funeral would be attended by heads of state from all over the world.
But only up to 30 people are currently allowed to attend a funeral in England, with social distance measures. That will not change on Monday, despite the country starting the second phase of ‘unlocking’, and so Philip’s funeral is likely to involve only family members and his closest friends and assistants.