Prince Philip’s Farewell Service: Only 30 Guests Allowed

The Royal Family has released the details of Prince Philip's farewell service, following the sad news of his passing at the age of 99.

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

However, due to the current coronavirus guidelines, only 30 people, in addition to the clergy, will be allowed to attend the event.

Initially, around 800 mourners were expected to attend the ceremony, including family, friends, representatives from the Duke of Edinburgh's military units, charities for which he was a patron, and people associated with the Duke of Edinburgh's award scheme.

However, pandemic restrictions mean that now only 30 guests will be allowed to attend the service.

The press release from the Royal Family explains that the smaller ceremony will be attended by the Queen and members of the Royal Family.

But with only 30 guests now allowed, it's yet to be confirmed which royals will attend.

The Queen's four children and their spouses, Prince Charles and Camilla, Princess Anne and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Lawrence, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex will undoubtedly be present.

The Queen and Prince Philip had eight grandchildren, and the Duchess of Cambridge, as a future Queen, will also be expected to attend alongside her husband.

Prince Harry has now confirmed he will travel from the US, although wife Meghan, who is pregnant with her second child, will remain in California.

It is likely the Queen will invite her cousins and their spouses, Princess Alexandra, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Kent and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, who have offered loyal support and service over the years.

The Queen is close to the children of her late sister, Princess Margaret, her nephew, the Earl of Snowdon, and niece, Lady Sarah Chateau, and is likely to want them to be present as a source of comfort.

The Queen and Prince Philip's ten great-grandchildren are likely to be considered too young to attend the televised proceedings, as all are aged ten and under.

Prince William and Catherine are also said to have been careful to protect their children from the public gaze, and made clear that they would shield them from the pressures of royal life while they were young.

If Mike Tindall, Jack Brooksbank, and Eduardo Marpelli-Mosi do attend, then the guest list would total 29, leaving just one place left.

This could be filled by a trusted member of the Queen or Philip's household, or First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Tony Radican, in honor of Prince Philip's military service.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has already bowed out of the ceremony to allow another member of the family to attend in his place.

A Downing Street spokesman said that due to the coronavirus regulations, only 30 people can attend the funeral of HRH, the Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

The Prime Minister has throughout wanted to act in accordance with what is best for the royal household and will not be attending the funeral on Saturday.

It had been hoped that the public would be able to pay their respects along the route, but this will no longer be possible.

Members of the public have been asked not to attempt to attend or participate in any of the events that make up the ceremony.

In conclusion, the farewell service for Prince Philip will be a smaller affair than originally planned, with only 30 guests allowed to attend due to pandemic restrictions.

The Queen and members of the Royal Family will undoubtedly be present, but it remains unclear which royals will attend.

The public has been asked not to attempt to attend or participate in any of the events that make up the ceremony.