Royal Family Announces Details of Prince Philip’s Farewell Service

The Royal Family has revealed the arrangements for the farewell service of Prince Philip, following the sad news of his passing at the age of 99.

The service is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 17th April at 3 pm at St George's Chapel in Windsor.

Due to the current coronavirus guidelines, only a limited number of 30 individuals, in addition to the clergy, will be able to attend the event.

Initially, the plan had been to invite around 800 mourners to the ceremony, but the Duke of Edinburgh had expressed his preference for a more intimate affair.

However, pandemic restrictions have now necessitated that only 30 guests will be present.

The original guest list of 800 was expected to include family members, friends, representatives from the Duke of Edinburgh's military units, as well as individuals associated with the charities he supported and the Duke of Edinburgh's award scheme.

A press release from the Royal Family has outlined that the Queen and select members of the Royal Family will be in attendance at the smaller ceremony.

While it is confirmed that the Queen's four children and their spouses, along with other close relatives, are expected to be present, the exact list of attendees is yet to be finalized.

Among the guests anticipated to attend are the Queen and Prince Philip's eight grandchildren, including Peter Phillips, Zara Tindall, Prince William, and Prince Harry, among others.

Notably, Prince Harry has confirmed his travel from the US to be present at the service, while his wife Meghan, who is currently expecting their second child, will remain in California.

The Duchess of Cambridge, being a future Queen, is also expected to attend alongside her husband.

In deciding the final guest list, the Queen may opt to include her cousins and their spouses, such as Princess Alexandra, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and others who have shown unwavering support over the years.

Additionally, relatives like the children of her late sister, Princess Margaret, are likely to be invited to provide comfort during this somber occasion.

Consideration will also be given to the ten great-grandchildren of the Queen and Prince Philip, with some being deemed too young to attend the televised proceedings.

If the spouses of the grandchildren, namely Mike Tindall, Jack Brooksbank, and Eduardo Marpelli-Mosi, do attend, the guest list would nearly reach its limit of 30.

This leaves room for one more attendee, possibly a trusted member of the royal household or a figure like Admiral Tony Radican to honor Prince Philip's military service.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has respectfully declined attending the ceremony to allow another family member to take his place, in adherence to the limitations imposed by coronavirus regulations.

It was initially hoped that the public could pay their respects along the route of the procession; however, this option has been revoked due to safety concerns.

Members of the public have been urged not to attempt to attend or participate in any of the events associated with the ceremony, respecting the privacy and solemnity of the occasion.