Prince Philip’s Final Duty: What Happens When He Passes Away?

The Duke of Edinburgh has been by the Queen's side for 70 years and is set to perform his last duty this week.

On Wednesday, he will meet Royal Marines who have just completed a 1,664-mile trek at Buckingham Palace.

For the Queen, Prince Philip's presence has been one of unwavering support.

For the public, he's known for his often off-colour gaffes as much as his life of duty.

Regardless of your opinion on the Royal Family, there's no denying that he makes it more intriguing.

However, with his age and health issues, people are questioning what will happen when he passes away.

Here are five things the British public can expect.

Firstly, how the news will break.

If the Duke of Edinburgh dies overnight, the official announcement is likely to occur at 8am, and the BBC will be the first to confirm the news.

Secondly, there will be no fancy funeral for him.

Although he is entitled to a full-blown state funeral, the Duke has expressed a preference for something simpler.

Rather than lying in state at Westminster Abbey, his body is expected to lie at St James's Palace, where Princess Diana lay before her funeral in 1997.

The public will not be allowed to view the body.

The guest list for the funeral will be relatively pared back, with only family, friends, and heads of state from Commonwealth countries attending a service at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.

Thirdly, where he'll be buried.

While many of Britain's monarchs and consorts are buried in Westminster Abbey and St George's Chapel, Prince Philip's burial will take place in a different, more private location, in keeping with his low-key funeral.

The Duke of Edinburgh will be buried in Frogmore Gardens, within the grounds of Windsor Castle.

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert are also buried in a mausoleum there.

Fourthly, how long the mourning period lasts for.

If Prince Philip dies before the Queen, she is expected to enter a period of mourning lasting eight days.

During this time, laws will not be given the royal assent, and affairs of state will be put on pause as a sign of respect.

Lastly, when the Queen will return to public duties.

The period of royal mourning will continue for a further 30 days after which the Queen will make a full return to public life and duties.

The Duke of Edinburgh's death will be a significant event for the nation and the Royal Family.