Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth May Not Be Buried Together When They Pass Away

Earlier this month, royal well-wishers around the globe were left concerned for Prince Philip after Buckingham Palace announced the Duke of Edinburgh underwent hip surgery after missing several public events with his wife, Queen Elizabeth. At age 96, any type of surgery or hospitalization is always a risk and while it’s a morbid topic but sadly an inevitable one, the staff at Now to Love recently investigated what will happen when he dies.

When the Duke of Edinburgh sadly passes away, it is expected that the news will first be confirmed by British broadcaster the BBC and, of course, the royal family via their social media channels. Should his death happen overnight, the announcement is likely to come at 8 a.m. London local time the next morning.

Next, eight days of official mourning would be observed by all staff at the palace. Flags across the UK at major institutions and military establishments with a focus on naval flags given Prince Philip’s ties with the Royal Navy would be flown at half-mast. Like with the passing of Princess Diana, the Royal Standard flag at Buckingham Palace — it is raised when the Queen is in residence — would not be lowered to half-mast.

However, after Diana’s death, there was such a public outcry over the Buckingham Palace flags that the Queen did break royal protocol and fly the Union Jack Flag for the first time ever at half-mast from the royal residence. Since Diana’s death, the Union Jack Flag now flies at half-mast for all members of the royal family who have passed away.

Princess Diana’s royal funeral.

Upon his death, Prince Philip is entitled to a state funeral, however, it is believed that is not the Duke’s wishes. The Duke’s closest aides have reportedly said that the Queen’s husband would prefer not to have the “fuss” of a lying-in-state or a full state funeral. It’s expected that instead of Westminster Abbey, Prince Philip’s body will lie at St James’s Palace (which is where Princess Diana’s lay for several days before her funeral).

In line with his no-fuss desires, Prince Philip will presumably be laid to rest in Frogmore Gardens, on the grounds of Windsor Castle. This means he might not be buried with his wife, as many of Britain’s monarchs and consorts are laid to rest in Westminster Abbey and St George’s Chapel. However, as both of the Queen’s parents and younger sister are all buried at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, the Queen could break with tradition and be buried alongside her loved ones here.

Philip and the Queen.

In the case of the Duke dying before his wife, Queen Elizabeth is allowed an official mourning period of eight days. All royal affairs will be put on hold during this time, out of respect for Her Majesty’s loss. The Queen will be allowed a further 30 days to mourn her life partner, before being expected to make a full return to public life and duties.

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This post was written by Chloe Lal. It originally appeared on our sister site, Now to Love.