Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, has died. The prince, aged 99, passed away peacefully on Friday morning. The Duke of Edinburgh, who has been married to the queen for 70 years, is the longest-serving consort.
The Prince had been ailing in recent months. The senior member of the royal family was first admitted to the hospital in February this year. He underwent a heart procedure on March 4. In May 2017, the Prince retired from public life.
The start of the year indeed has been a tough one for "The Firm" (an unofficial nickname for the British royal family and its associated institutions), with the scathing tell-all interview by the Sussexes and now, the Prince’s passing. There was some good news, however, with Princess Eugine, the granddaughter of the Queen, giving birth to a son, August in February this year.
The family, known to follow strict protocols for every occasion, will follow certain rules in the event of the death of a senior member of the family.
Outside of the family, the news reaches the Prime Minister first. The name for a funeral plan for Prince Philip is called Operation Forth Bridge.
His body is expected to lay at St James’s Palace. The Queen will enter a mourning period, wherein all public engagements for eight days will be cancelled. No public viewings are expected.
No laws will be made during this period. The Queen would return to public duties after a mourning period of 30 more days. Details of where people can lay flowers, find books of condolence, details of church services will be rolled out on official websites, with a picture of the Duke.
The Duke would get a state funeral. State funerals are usually held at Westminster Hall, but, the Duke requested for a muted funeral, so, it could take place at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.
Friends, family and under normal circumstances heads of states of the Commonwealth would be in attendance. But, now, due to the pandemic, many heads of states may not be present. Prince Philip is likely to be laid to rest at the mausoleum at Frogmore Cottages, where Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert were lain to rest.
The last state funeral was given for the Queen Mother in 2002. The Duke’s passing will not alter the line of succession for the throne. Prince Charles will take over as Duke of Edinburgh.
