Prince Philip was adamant that the German side of his family be represented at his funeral. (PHOTO: Gallo Images/Getty Images)
They could not attend his wedding in 1947 as post-World War 2 tensions between England and Germany were still running high – but Prince Philip was adamant that in death his German side of the family should be properly represented.
The late Duke of Edinburgh, who has German ancestry on his mother’s side, made it clear he wanted his “blood” relatives to be present at his funeral. And his wishes shall be obeyed.
According to reports, two great-nephews and a cousin have already flown into London and are quarantining in Berkshire ahead of Saturday’s event.
Anwar Hussein / Getty Images
The death of a monarch’s spouse would usually be followed by a funeral complete with much pomp and ceremony – particularly when one considers that the late Duke of Edinburgh, who passed away on 9 April, was the longest-serving royal consort in history. Yet under the exceptional circumstances of the ongoing pandemic, the event is set to be quite a departure from royal tradition, with just 30 mourners in attendance – as opposed to the 800 expected under original plans.
The day after Philip died aged 99, Buckingham Palace released details of the funeral, which were further added to on Thursday 15 April. Due to take place at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, on Saturday 17 April, it will feature elements such as military Pall Bearers and a ‘small Ceremonial Procession’, made up of ‘members of the Royal Family and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Household’. The Palace announced that the service itself will be ‘attended by Her Majesty The Queen and Mem
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Three of Prince Philip s German relatives among the 30 mourners at his funeral
Two of the Duke of Edinburgh s great-nephews, along with a distant relative, among those invited to Windsor Castle ceremony
15 April 2021 • 9:09pm
They were kept away from his wedding to Princess Elizabeth in 1947 because of perceived links to the Nazis, but on Saturday German relatives of Prince Philip will attend his funeral.
Where once their families were snubbed by the British establishment, two of the Duke of Edinburgh s great-nephews, along with a distant relative, will be given a place among the 30 mourners invited to the ceremony at Windsor Castle.
Full details revealed of the funeral Prince Philip planned himself: The 30 mourners are named, first picture of custom-built Land Rover hearse, who will accompany the Queen and why William and Harry will NOT walk side by side
Harry and William will be separated by cousin Peter Phillips as they walk in a line behind grandfather s coffin
When the coffin is taken into chapel, William will move ahead of his brother as the royal family arrives in pairs
Palace officials say royal men will wear morning coats with their medals and the women will wear day dresses
The Queen - like all 30 guests invited to the service - will wear a face mask and will sit by herself in the quire