Plans for a major royal death are being made years in advance, although details are kept fiercely private and the coronavirus restrictions currently in place in the UK mean that some aspects of the strategy need to be changed.
CNN understands that the Queen must sign all proposals and it is not known if this has already happened. It is also unclear how much of a hand Philip himself played in the plans for his funeral.
But some notable parts of the arrangements for Philip’s death – code-named “Forth Bridge” by ministers, royal staff and media partners, have been announced and will take place as follows.
Philip’s remains are in Windsor Castle, the royal residence just west of London, where he and the Queen have lived for the past few months.
His body will be in the castle prior to his burial in St. George’s Chapel, also on site. That arrangement is in keeping with royal custom and with Philip’s wishes, according to the College of Arms, the royal company playing a key role in planning.
Tribute
A major royal death evokes expressions of mourning in many Britons. The deaths of Princess Diana and the Queen Mother over the decades caused thousands to fill streets across the country to commemorate their lives.
On Friday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, “Today, along with Her Majesty the Queen, we mourn. We offer our condolences to her and all her family, and we thank, as a nation and as a kingdom, for the extraordinary life and work of Prince. Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. “
Flags on royal buildings will be hoisted with half-staff on the day after Philip’s funeral until 8 a.m. (3 a.m. ET). That includes all the “official” flags of the UK – the Union Jack, the flags of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, plus flags and ship colors.
Flags have also been lowered above most government offices, including 10 Downing Street.
Public tribute was included in the plans for Philip’s death, although they are likely to be disrupted by coronavirus-related restrictions on gatherings. Currently, outdoor gatherings of more than six people or two households are banned in England, with similar restrictions elsewhere in the UK.
On Friday, the College of Arms “regretfully asked that members of the public not attempt to attend or participate in the events that make up the funeral.”
Similar advice was given by the government. “While this is an extremely difficult time for many, we ask the public not to gather at Royal Residences and to continue to follow public health advice, particularly on avoiding large group meetings and minimizing travel,” said a spokesperson. from the Cabinet Office in a ruling.
“We support the Royal House by asking that no floral tribute should be paid at the Royal Residences at this time,” the spokesman added.
Salutes will be fired in the UK on Saturday afternoon, the British Ministry of Defense wrote in a statement. “Across the UK, in Gibraltar and on HM Ships at sea, salute batteries will fire 41 rounds every minute for 40 minutes,” he wrote.
“The public is encouraged to observe the salutes from home, they will take place behind closed doors, but will be broadcast online and on television,” the statement added.
The funeral
The current coronavirus situation threatens to make the Duke’s funeral unrecognizable from that of most senior royals.
It will take place at St. George’s Chapel 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 would include some public elements, but military ceremonies or processions likely take place behind castle walls to discourage members of the public from gathering.
Usually such a funeral was attended by heads of state from all over the world.
But currently only 30 people are allowed to attend a funeral in England, with social distance measures. This won’t change on Monday, despite the country entering its second phase of ‘unlocking’, so Philip’s funeral will likely only involve family members and his closest friends and assistants.