Prince Philip news – live: Funeral guests unveiled with William and Harry to walk apart and Queen to sit alone
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Your support makes all the difference.The guest list for Prince Philip’s funeral has been unveiled, with only close relatives to attend the royal ceremonial service in Windsor on Saturday.
It comprises his and the Queen’s four children, as well as some but not all of their many grandchildren. Other members of the royal family, such as the Queen’s cousin Princess Alexandra, will also be in attendance. It was revealed last week that the service would not be a state affair due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
Another revelation made earlier is that Prince William and Harry, the Dukes of Cambridge and Sussex respectively, will not walk shoulder to shoulder in their grandfather’s funeral procession, following speculation they could do so.
The brothers, who have been reunited in person for the first time following the explosive Oprah interview last month, will walk separately, either side of their cousin Peter Phillips - Princess Anne’s son - as they trail their grandfather’s coffin at St George’s chapel in Windsor.
It was also confirmed on Thursday that the Queen will be forced to sit alone during the service to avoid coming into contact with anyone she does not live with. It is so the monarch can adhere to social distancing guidelines as much as possible during the day.
Meanwhile, Prince Charles earlier made his first public appearance with Camilla since the death of his father to view flowers and tributes left in his memory. The pair are believed to have looked visibly upset by the messages left for the late duke.
Read more:
Why is Meghan Markle not attending Prince Philip’s funeral?
While Harry, the Duke of Sussex, will be attendance at Prince Philip’s funeral on Saturday, his wife Meghan will not, as she did not received medical clearance from her doctors to do so.
Meghan is pregnant and expecting her second child. The couple confirmed their baby girl is expected to arrive “in the summertime”.
Ellie Abraham reports:
Why is Meghan Markle not coming to Prince Philip’s funeral?
She will remain in the United States while husband Prince Harry attends his grandfather’s funeral
Royals release previously unseen pictures of family with Prince Philip
A touching photo of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh sitting with their great-grandchildren has been released.
The previously unseen image shows the couple surrounding by their young family embers on a sofa during a get-together at Balmoral.
My colleague Conrad Duncan has more details:
Royals release previously unseen pictures of family with Prince Philip
Images shared as royal family prepares for funeral on Saturday
Who will attend Prince Philip’s funeral?
On Saturday, the royal family will pay their respects to the Duke of Edinburgh, who passed away on Friday 9 April at the age of 99.
The funeral will be a small event attended only by close relatives due to coronavirus restrictions.
The Palace is set to release the full guest list later today, but Olivia Petter has everything we know so far about who will most likely be there:
Who is going to Prince Philip’s funeral?
A maximum of 30 people will attend due to coronavirus restrictions
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