The Real Reason Prince Philip Will Not Lie In State
Prince Philip has died at the age of 99. The official Twitter account for Buckingham Palace put out a statement confirming that the Duke of Edinburgh passed away on April 9, 2021. "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle," the statement read.
Philip had been living at Windsor Castle since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic lockdown, according to Travel + Leisure. In February 2021, Philip was taken to the hospital after feeling unwell. He underwent heart surgery shortly thereafter, and remained at the hospital for one month, according to BBC News. Philip was discharged on March 16, 2021, and was said to be in "good spirits" at the time. He had been recuperating at Windsor Castle up until his death. And while the Royal Family is expected to hold a funeral service for Philip, he will unlikely lie in state at Westminster Palace. Keep reading to find out why.
Prince Philip reportedly didn't want a 'fuss' made over him
Prince Philip is entitled to a ceremonial funeral as the Prince Consort, according to USA Today. However, he reportedly made it clear that he did not want anyone to make a "fuss" over him after he died, so he will not get the "usual service at Westminster Abbey or St. Paul's Cathedral and won't lie in state at Westminster Palace."
A small funeral service for Philip is expected to take place, perhaps at St. George's Chapel, according to a 2017 report from the Independent. At the time, the outlet noted that the funeral would more than likely be a "low-key affair," mainly because that's what Philip had wanted. Immediate family members and close friends are expected to be invited, though the list of invitees may be shorter than usual due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. According to BBC News, the UK is currently in Stage 2 of its reopening plan. That means that only 30 people are permitted to attend a funeral, and 15 are permitted to attend a wake. It's unknown how these guidelines will factor into the services held for Philip.
Philip reportedly requested to be buried at Frogmore Gardens at Windsor Castle, according to the Independent.