Prince Philip wanted a “not much fuss” funeral

The College of Arms, an organization closely related to the application of royal protocols, said on its website that Prince Philip will not have a state funeral and that his coffin will not be exposed to the public.

His mortal remains will rest in Windsor Castle, west of London, before a funeral in St. George’s Chapel “according to custom and the wishes of His Royal Highness,” it said.

The ceremonies and tributes had to be reviewed due to covid-19. To avoid the risk of contagion, the royal family asked the British public not to go to royal residences, such as Buckingham Palace, to lay flowers but to make a donation to a charity.

A virtual book of condolences was also published on the internet.

According to the new rules of relaxation of confinement against the coronavirus, effective as of next Monday, a maximum of 30 people can attend a funeral.

The anticipated simplicity of the ceremony matches the personality of the Duke of Edinburgh, who wanted a funeral “without much fuss,” according to royal columnists.

Philip, a former commander in the Royal Navy, expressed his wish that his funeral would be in a military-style in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

According to British media, the Duke of Edinburgh did not want to be buried in St. George’s Chapel or Westminster Abbey, but in Frogmore Gardens, adjacent to Windsor Castle.

This estate houses the mausoleum of Queen Victoria and her husband Albert.

Edward VIII, who abdicated to marry divorced American Wallis Simpson, is also buried there.

It appears that the consort was personally involved in the arrangements for his funeral, coordinated by the Lord Chamberlain’s office at Buckingham Palace.

Normally the funeral of a senior member of the royal family takes place eight days after the death