Prince Philip: his funeral next Saturday, with Harry but without Meghan
The event, broadcast live, is scheduled for Saturday, April 17 at Windsor Castle, in the presence of Prince Harry but without his wife, Meghan Markle, who is pregnant.
The funeral of Prince Philip, who disappeared on Friday April 9, 2021, will take place on Saturday April 17, at 3 p.m. local (2 p.m. GMT), at Windsor Castle, where Elizabeth II's husband died, the palace said. from Buckingham. The private ceremony, in St George's Chapel some 40 miles west of London, will be broadcast on television. Grandson of the Prince Consort, Prince Harry will fly from Califonia, where he now lives, to attend his grandfather's funeral. On the other hand, his wife Meghan Markle, pregnant with their second child, will not be present. Her doctor advised her not to attend the funeral, a palace spokesperson told Agence France-Presse.
At the start of the ceremony, a minute of silence will be observed across the country. Only 30 people, arguably Prince Philip's four children (Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward), his grandchildren and other relatives, will be present, under rules related to the coronavirus pandemic. The population is invited to observe a minute of silence at 2 p.m. GMT (3 p.m. London), at the start of the ceremony. It is held just four days before the Queen's birthday, who will turn 95 on April 21.
Prince Philip stood for stability and fun
Known for not having his tongue in his pocket, Prince Philip was noted for his provocative remarks sometimes tinged with racism or sexism. However, the British also remember his tireless dedication to a monarchy that he helped to modernize and humanize, and his presence, withdrawn but flawless, alongside the sovereign. "He represented stability but also fun, a sense of humor, which we sometimes give the impression of having lost," Heather Bridge, 65, told AFP near the Tower of London. Elizabeth II must now face alone the crises which shake the British royal family, such as the recent criticisms of her grandson Harry and Meghan towards the Firm, nickname of the monarchy, accused of racism and lack of support for his wife.
