Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, father of Prince Charles, and grandfather of Prince William and Prince Harry passed away at the age of 99 on Friday, 9th of April. Since Britain is still in observing national lockdowns, it seems like there will be no state funeral held for him.
Buckingham Palace has revealed that Prince Philip died a peaceful death and that he had already received the coronavirus vaccine earlier this year along with Your Majesty the Queen.
The news of his death has come at a rather unfortunate time, as the UK is still grappling with the pandemic. Due to this reason, citizens have several questions: Is there going to be a state funeral? What would the social distancing measures look like? When so many families in the UK are unable to hold funerals and mourn the loss of their loved ones, will the country’s most privileged family be able to hold a funeral of one of their own?
No official statements have been made yet, but reports claim that the palace will confirm the arrangements by Saturday morning. As of now, we believe that the ceremony will not be a state funeral and that he will lie at rest in Windsor Castle. It has been revealed that His Royal Highness will be given the farewell in St. George’s Chapel.
“The funeral arrangements have been revised in view of the prevailing circumstances arising from the Covid-19 pandemic and 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.”
As many of you would already know, Prince Phillip was hospitalized in February due to heart problems but got discharged last month. The hospitalization had nothing to do with the coronavirus, since it was confirmed by the Palace.
Of course, the privilege of being the most powerful people in the UK didn’t save them from the coronavirus. Last year, Prince Charles, the Queen, and Prince William tested positive for coronavirus.
The Queen has been encouraging people to get vaccinated, as she believes that it will help people at least feel protected from this monstrous virus.
Britain has been under lockdown for quite some time, and so most of the outdoor spaces have been closed. But with the vaccine now in place, we’ve been told that the lockdown rules are now being lifted from Monday. Hence, outdoor spaces like pubs and restaurants will reopen along with nonessential shops, gyms, and hair salons!
It’s been reported that the UK has lost 150,000 lives to coronavirus!
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has given a brief tribute to Prince Philip along with other members of the parliament. He praised how he supported the Queen all his life and that he earned immense affection and applause from generations in the United Kingdom and from across the world!
“He was the longest-serving consort in history and one of the last surviving people in this country to have served in the Second World War.” - He said in the official statement.
He further added details about his hobbies that included horse-riding.
He said: “Like the expert carriage driver that he was, he helped to steer the royal family and the monarchy so that it remains an institution indisputably vital to the balance and happiness of our national life.”
As per norm, there will be a brief period of mourning after the death of a royal, and so the media appearances and ministerial statements will be limited. Basically, you’ll only be receiving statements regarding the pandemic and matters that require urgent addressing for some time.
Queen Elizabeth is currently spending time isolating in her residence at Windsor Castle which is just outside London. She is mourning the loss of her husband meanwhile thousands have gathered outside the gates of the Buckingham Palace.
These people have come to leave flowers and take pictures and show respect to the dead member of the Royal family – they can imagine how hard this time might be for them!
On the other hand, to demonstrate vigilance and social distancing, the Palace has rightfully requested fans to not leave flowers at the gate.
Anyway, we can all see how tough this time must be for the fans of the Royal family. Do like our page to get constant updates and to know if Harry and Meghan would be making an appearance to bid farewell to the great-grandfather!