Thousands Of Mourners Are Defying Pleas From Buckingham Palace. Here's How
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, died at the age of 99 on April, 9, 2021. His death came just weeks after he returned to Windsor Castle following a 28-day stay in the hospital and a heart surgery.
"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," the royal family said in an official statement. "His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."
The world was noticeably saddened by Prince Philip's death, and celebrities and officials alike took to social media to express their condolences. Controversial British reporter Piers Morgan tweeted, "RIP Prince Philip, 99. A truly great Briton who dedicated his life to selfless public duty & was an absolute rock of devoted support to Her Majesty, The Queen, as the longest-serving royal consort to any British sovereign. A very sad day for our country. Thank you, Sir." British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also reacted to the announcement, saying, "Our thoughts are with Her Majesty and her family, who have lost not just a much-loved and highly respected public figure, but a devoted husband and a proud and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather."
The general British public is also heartbroken about the loss of Queen Elizabeth II's life partner. They're so dedicated to paying their respects that they are even defying pleas from Buckingham Palace. Here's how.
Mourners are showing their respects outside of royal residences
Hundreds of people lined up outside of Windsor Castle to both pay their respects and get a peek at Prince Philip's funeral procession on April 17, 2021. The gathering went against Buckingham Palace's plea for people to stay home and watch the funeral on television due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
"Although this is an extraordinarily difficult time for many, we are asking the public not to gather at Royal Residences, and continue to follow public health advice particularly on avoiding meeting in large groups and on minimising travel," the palace said in a statement on April 9, 2021, per Yahoo! finance. The palace also asked that mourners refrain from laying floral tributes at the royal family's residences — another order that has been ignored.
Security was on "high alert" at Windsor Castle according to the Daily Mail, with armed security officers and patrols guarding the castle along with helicopters from above. Barriers had also been set up along the Long Walk, a three mile avenue that runs through the property and offers impressive views of the castle. An officer told the publication that security personnel were expecting "thousands" of mourners to show up at various royal properties during the day. "The funeral may be in Windsor, but we're expecting a lot of people to turn up at Buckingham Palace, as they have been through the week," he said. "The sun is out and people have been very moved by Philip's death."