British Prime Minister Boris Johnson refused to attend the funeral of the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip. On Saturday, April 10, Reuters reports with reference to the Downing Street press service.
Thus, the British Prime Minister gave up his seat to members of the royal family, since according to the current rules for the fight against coronavirus infection, only 30 people will be allowed to public farewell to Prince Philip.
In his statement, Boris Johnson noted that he always tries to plan his actions based on the interests of the royal family, which is the fundamental reason for this decision.
The funeral ceremony for Prince Philip will take place on April 17. Due to coronavirus restrictions, the event will be held modestly, while all the wishes of the Duke of Edinburgh, indicated during his lifetime, will be taken into account. Those who wish to see the process of the service will be able to do this with the help of television.
The royal family, out of considerations of tribute to the deceased, asked to refuse visits to Windsor Castle. The Duke of Edinburgh will be buried in the royal crypt of St George’s Chapel.
From those present at the funeral ceremony, the wife of the prince, Queen Elizabeth II, grandchildren and children are expected. Also, the grandson of the late Duke, Prince Harry, should arrive from the United States, but without his pregnant wife Meghan Markle, who refrained from traveling because of the recommendations of doctors.
On April 10, it was reported that a gun salute in memory of the deceased wife of the Queen of Great Britain – the Duke of Edinburgh Philip – took place in London and other cities of the kingdom.
On the same day, it became known that Westminster Abbey, located in the center of London next to the Parliament building, honored the memory of the Duke of Edinburgh Philip with 99 bells ringing every minute starting at six o’clock in the evening.
Prince Philip passed away on April 9 at the age of 99. In two months he was supposed to be 100 years old. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip have been married for over 70 years and have four children.