Duke of Edinburgh's funeral on Saturday to start with national minute’s silence
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A national minute’s silence will be observed at three o’clock on Saturday afternoon to mark the beginning of the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral.
The service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, will be preceded by a ceremonial procession inside the castle grounds.
The plans for the funeral are in line with the duke's wishes, and Buckingham Palace says the occasion will recognise and celebrate his life and his many years of service to the Queen, the UK and the Commonwealth.
It will be a ceremonial royal funeral, rather than a state funeral – something which is generally reserved for monarchs. The plans have been approved by the Queen and reflect appropriate government advice.
The funeral will be televised.
Prince Philip died last Friday at Windsor at the age of 99, having returned there in March following a month in hospital.
He was the longest-serving consort in British history.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Caithness, Lord Thurso, this week praised the duke as "a great polymath" who would be remembered for a lifetime of support to the Queen, a lifetime of service to the nation and a lifetime of encouragement to young people.
Lord Thurso also recalled how Prince Philip made many visits to Caithness and in 1957 was one of the first visitors to be given a tour of the Dounreay site – reflecting a keen and enduring interest in innovation, engineering and technology.
Lord Thurso made his remarks during House of Lords tributes.
Highland Council has an online book of condolence.
Related stories:
- Lord-Lieutenant of Caithness pays tribute to Duke of Edinburgh's 'long and productive life'
- Deep respect from the Highlands on death of the Prince Philip
- Jamie Stone recalls act of kindness by Prince Philip after palace rug mishap
