The royal family hope the coming days will be seen as an opportunity to celebrate Prince Philip’s “remarkable life”.
The Duke of Edinburgh passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle on Friday morning (09.04.21) and while members of the public are being urged to pay their respects from home due to the coronavirus pandemic, the royals hope people around the world will recognise Prince Philip’s achievements.
A spokesperson said: “While this is naturally a time of sadness and mourning for the royal family and the many others who knew or admired the Duke of Edinburgh, it is hoped that the coming days will also be seen as an opportunity to celebrate a remarkable life – remarkable both in terms of his vast contribution and lasting legacy.”
It’s been confirmed that Prince Philip’s funeral has been scaled-down because of the pandemic.
The spokesperson told the BBC: “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.”
Meanwhile, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, has suggested that Prince Philip’s funeral could help to heal any lingering tensions in the royal family.
Prince Harry is flying from his home in California to attend the funeral in Windsor, and the Cardinal suggested that it could help to ease tensions following his tell-all TV interview with Oprah Winfrey.
He told Times Radio: “I think there might be a bit of consolation in it for the royal family actually because it just gives them a chance to be close and to have a comparative bit of privacy.
“Many a family gather and get over tension and broken relationships at the time of a funeral. Something very profound unites them all again. And that would be true for this family, I’m sure.”