Prince Philip’s funeral will be unlike a traditional Royal funeral for several reasons. They have to abide by COVID-19 protocols while fulfilling his wishes and no military uniforms will be worn. Reports indicate that Prince Harry’s return for the funeral has been awkward at best.
This week, many pictures of the Duke of Edinburgh have been shared in remembrance.
Today, members of the Royal Family have shared photographs of The Duke of Edinburgh, remembering him as a father, grandfather and great-grandfather. pic.twitter.com/vG7CEg1C3M
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 14, 2021
Only 30 people will be attending and that is likely to put even more attention on the embattled Prince Harry and Prince Andrew.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral comes at an awkward time for Prince Harry.
He has returned to England for the first time since moving to North America last year.
This comes on the heels of his and wife Meghan Markle’s interview with Oprah Winfrey where the pair accused the Royal Family of racism.
Prince Harry Quarantining At Frogmore
Harry has been quarantining without his American wife at their former home Frogmore Cottage.
But, things are quite different than when he left. Princess Eugenie lives there now with her husband and son.
Harry is staying in an apartment that was intended to house his mother-in-law.
Many are hoping Harry uses the opportunity to mend fences with his family while his wife is on the other side of the world. But, the Royals reportedly are still not trusting Harry after private family conversations were leaked to Gayle King of CBS.
RELATED: Prince William Doesn’t Trust Meghan And Harry After Conversation Leaked To Gayle King
The Duke of Sussex has allegedly only seen his cousin Eugenie and met her newborn son.
Media has reported that although Harry has not seen William, they did speak on the phone.
Harry And William Will Not Walk Together At The Funeral
Harry and William will not be walking next to each other at their grandfather’s funeral.
It has been decided their cousin Peter Philips (Princess Anne’s son) will walk between them behind the coffin.
During the second procession into the chapel, Peter will walk next to William and Harry will behind them.
RELATED: Prince William And Kate Explained Prince Philip’s Death To Children In A Brilliant Way
While this might create an interesting visual given the tension between the brothers, Buckingham Palace claims it is what the Queen wants.
“This is a funeral and we are not going to be drawn into perceptions of drama,” a Palace spokesman said. “The arrangements have been agreed and represent Her Majesty’s wishes.”
Royals Will Not Wear Military Uniforms At Prince Philip’s Funeral
The Royal Family will be breaking with tradition for Prince Philip’s funeral. No one will be wearing a military uniform.
Significant move on military uniforms tonight.
NO member of the Royal Family will wear them at Prince Philip’s funeral on Saturday.
A safety first decision given:
1. Prince Andrew’s current situation
2. Prince Harry having his military roles removed when he left pic.twitter.com/Cyl8CGcjG1— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) April 14, 2021
That means Prince Harry can breathe a sigh of relief.
Otherwise, he might have been the only one in his immediate family not in full military uniform.
The Queen stripped him of his honorary military roles because he abandoned his Royal duties. Harry is now only permitted to wear a suit with medals.
This also removes another concern. The Duke of York stepped away from his duties after his terrible BBC interview about Jeffrey Epstein and the sexual assault accusations lodged against Prince Andrew.
However, Prince Andrew did speak publicly about his father’s death. Since he is supposed to be keeping a low profile, the palace was reportedly “surprised” that he walked up to the cameras to speak.
RELATED: Prince Andrew Looks To Return To Royal Duties, But There’s A Big Obstacle
Prince Andrew still retains his military titles and reportedly wanted to wear his Admiral’s uniform to his father’s funeral.
That would have likely sent shockwaves across Great Britain.
By forbidding uniforms, this is no longer a concern.
Prince Philip’s Request
Prince Philip wanted to have his German family welcomed to his funeral. His sisters married German aristocrats. His immediate family was not invited to his wedding to Elizabeth because of post World War II feelings about Germans. Now, they will be welcomed to say goodbye.
Two of Philip’s great nephews and a cousin will be present. Since only 30 people are permitted to attend the funeral, this will make for 10 percent of the crowd.
And, the Queen will sit alone during the funeral for her late husband, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.
Other attendees include:
The mourners include Prince Harry, Prince William and his wife Kate, and the four children of the Queen and the duke, Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward. The duke’s other grandchildren and some of their spouses will be there – including Peter Phillips, Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, and Zara and Mike Tindall. Jack Brooksbank and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, married to Eugenie and Beatrice respectively will attend.
RELATED: Prince Philip Will Be Buried In This Special Place, Not Westminster Abbey
Behind the pageantry, the Royals are a family. Like every family they have their share of drama.
Funerals have a way of magnifying that but can also offer healing while they allow us to say goodbye.
Rest in peace Prince Philip.
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