The Duke of Edinburgh’s carriage-driving companion – one of his closest confidantes – Countess Mountbatten of Burma will join mourners at Philip’s funeral.
Buckingham Palace said the Queen faced “some very difficult” decisions as she selected the 30 guests permitted under Covid-19 rules, from the original 800-strong congregation, and had tried to ensure all branches of the duke’s family were there.
The 67-year-old countess – Penelope “Penny” Knatchbull, previously known as Lady Romsey and later Lady Brabourne – will join the monarch, the Queen and Philip’s four children and eight grandchildren and their respective spouses at the service in St George’s Chapel on Saturday.
Prince Philip’s funeral will take place on Saturday, April 17, with only 30 mourners â including royal family members â set to attend due to current COVID-19 restrictions in the UK.
Among the select individuals who will be able to pay their respects to the UK’s longest consort are his family and friends who will attend the 3 p.m. ceremony at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle on Saturday.
The Queen entered a two-week mourning period on the day her husband and consort of 73 years died, and she will formally continue to mourn for a further period following the funeral.
Alongside their mother, Prince Philip’s four children â Prince Charles, who will inherit Philip’s royal titles, Anne, Princess Royal, Prince Andrew and Edward, Earl of Wessex â will attend the funeral.
A spokesman for the Met Office said: “The conditions tomorrow around Windsor are similar to many areas across the South East.
“We’ll see highs of 15C, possibly 16C, in isolated spots. The conditions should be dry.
“There may be some light cloud but there will also be clear sunny spells.
“It will feel warm in the sunshine and should remain reasonably bright and not too windy during the day – in fact there won’t be much of a breeze at all.
“Conditions will be very calm and settled.”
Buckingham Palace previously said the Queen had to make “difficult decisions” about who would attend the funeral, due to Covid-19 restrictions limiting mourners.
Prince Philip funeral - the procession and where William and Harry will be
The pair will separated by their cousin as they walk behind the Duke of Edinburgh s coffin tomorrow
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The Duke of Cambridge and Duke of Sussex will not walk side by side in the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral procession, it has been announced.
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