PRINCE Philip will be laid to rest this weekend in a Covid-secure funeral – with even the Queen wearing a face mask.
The royal family has not managed to escape the restrictions and have been forced to strip back the event.
Buckingham Palace confirmed today all 30 mourners – including the Queen – will have to wear a face mask when they enter St George’s Chapel for the service.
Those walking in the procession – including Prince William, Prince Harry and Philip’s four children – will not have to wear a mask while outside.
It comes as…
- Prince Harry and William won’t stand near each other at Philip’s funeral on Saturday
- The Royal Family won’t wear military uniforms at the service – instead wearing morning coat with medals
- The full guest list of 30 attendees was revealed
- The Queen will sit alone after arriving in a Bentley with a Lady in Waiting
- The pall bearers at Prince Philip’s funeral will be members of the Royal Marines
- Pregnant Meghan Markle will make ‘private arrangements’ to mark the funeral
Once inside the chapel for the 50-minute service, all members of the Royal Family will be seated two metres apart.
All those who have travelled to the funeral have followed travel rules with all 30 mourners “meeting the guidelines”, the Palace said.
And a reduced choir of just four singers will feature during the service – with the guests not allowed to sing under Covid funeral rules.
The official seating plan will be released on Saturday so it is not yet sure whether the Queen will have someone from her HMS Bubble comforting her.
The Palace have confirmed Her Majesty will be joined by a lady-in-waiting as she is driven to the service in a Bentley.
But it is understood she will sit alone in the chapel – with the aide not included on the guest list.
This is despite the Queen’s ladies-in-waiting all becoming a part of HMS Bubble during lockdown as she shielded at Windsor Castle.
The public have been warned to stay away from the event, which is taking place behind the walls of Windsor Castle.
They have also been urged not to leave flowers for the duke and instead told to sign online book of condolence if they wish to pay their respects.
Buckingham Palace has reinforced the official advice and told well-wishers to watch the funeral on TV as there is no public access anyway.
They have insisted the pared-back event is in keeping with the personal wishes of no-fuss Philip.
They said: “This event will be much reduced in scale with no public access. In line with Government guidelines and public health measures, there will be no public processions and the Duke’s funeral will take place entirely within the grounds of Windsor Castle,’ he said.
“The plans have been given final approval by the Queen and reflect appropriately Government advice. Despite these necessary changes, they still very much reflect the personal wishes of the Duke.
“Although the ceremonial arrangements are reduced, the occasion will still celebrate and recognise the Duke’s life and his more than 70 years of service to the Queen, the UK and the Commonwealth.”
