Prince Philip funeral arrangements: Members of the public not to attend

The funeral of Prince Philip, who died Friday aged 99, may be like no other major royal event in modern history, as members of the public will not be able to attend the event.

Coronavirus lockdown restrictions currently in force in the United Kingdom mean that officials are discouraging crowds from paying their respects.

Given his age, the detailed plans for what should happen after Philip’s death — codenamed “Operation Forth Bridge,” have been in place for years.

Philip will not have a state funeral and he will not lie in state, according to the College of Arms, a body that plays a role in royal funerals. State funerals are usually only granted to ruling sovereigns, but the decision also came at Philip’s request, it said.

His body will instead lie at rest in Windsor Castle ahead of the funeral in St George’s Chapel.

“The funeral arrangements have been revised in view of the prevailing circumstances arising from the COVID-19 pandemic,” the College of Arms said in a statement Friday.

“It is regretfully requested that members of the public do not attempt to attend or participate in any of the events that make up the funeral.”

It is unclear when the funeral will take place; the College of Arms said further details would be announced.

In a statement released by the Buckingham palace, the Prince Philip died peacefully on Friday, April 9.

The statement reads; “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

“His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle.”

Prince Philip was last seen in public on March 16 as he left the private King Edward VII hospital, where he had been recuperating following heart surgery at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, a leading cardiac unit.

According to reports, Prince Philip will be buried in Frogmore Gardens in the grounds of Windsor Castle where the Queen liked to walk her corgis. There will a 30-day period of official Royal Mourning before the Queen returns to public duties.

He met the Queen in 1934 and has been by her side ever since they got married. He was also the longest serving Royal consort in British history. RIP to him.