Harry but no Meghan in pared-rear funeral for Prince Philip
The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II’s spouse, Prince Philip, will need place next week, Buckingham Palace said on Saturday, announcing a stripped-back ceremony because of coronavirus restrictions, and a return for exiled royal Prince Harry but not his wife, Meghan.
The announcement came as the couple’s eldest son, heir to the throne Prince Charles, 72, paid a heartfelt tribute to his “dear Papa”, and said he and the royal family missed him “enormously”.
“My dear Papa was a very particular person who I believe above all else would have been amazed by the reaction and the touching things which have been said about him, and from that time of watch we are, my children, deeply grateful for all that,” he added.
“It'll sustain us found in this particular loss and as of this particularly sad time.”
The Duke of Edinburgh - the 94-year-old queen’s husband of 73 years - died peacefully on Fri just 8 weeks short of his 100th birthday, triggering eight times of national mourning.
Royal officials stated his funeral, which will be televised, will take place at 1400 GMT on Saturday, April 17 on St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, west of London.
It will be preceded by a good national minute’s silence.
Government suggestions restrict mourners to just 30 people and close attention has been paid to the pared-straight down guest list for the funeral, particularly whether the duke’s grandson Harry would attend.
Palace officials confirmed he'd but his American wife, Meghan, who's pregnant with their second child, have been advised against visiting from the United States on medical grounds.
The couple, who quit frontline royal duties this past year, have launched some broadsides against the royals, including accusing them of racism, and of failing woefully to treat Meghan’s mental health.
British Primary Minister Boris Johnson will also not be attending the funeral because of Covid restrictions, Downing Street said.
“The Prime Minister has throughout wanted to act relative to what's best for the Royal household, therefore to allow for as much members of the family as possible will never be attending the funeral on Saturday,” a spokesperson said.
