The mourning of a real is already a historical event in itself: if then the real is the Prince Consort of the crown of England, the most powerful and famous in the world, is even more so. The last time the UK mourned the disappearance of a heavy member of Buckingham Palace it was in 2002, for the death of the ultra-centenary Queen Mother. In the case of the Prince PhilipHowever, death during a pandemic and quarantine (which only on Monday 12 April 2021 will begin to ease in the country) is simply unprecedented.
Will there be a state funeral? Will British citizens be able to attend the funeral ceremony and say goodbye to their prince who has supported the Queen for over 70 years? People around the world, from former Commonwealth subjects and fans of real life events, will have the chance to see the event as per the Royal WeddingHere are 5 answers to everything you need to know.
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1 – Operation Forth Bridge
The plan for the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh has been meticulously researched for a long time. Given the advanced age and the precarious health conditions for years, the Bukcing Palace machine had moved into motion with a program called in code “Operation Forth Bridge”, A name that has a history and must be explained. It literally would be “Operation Bridge over the Forth“Because for the death of each member of the royal family the name of an English bridge was given: Elisabetta has the code name, quite intuitive, of”London Bridge“. Philip is named after the bridge over the River Forth in Scotland, in deference to his title of Duke of Edinburgh. As husband of the Sovereign, Philip is entitled to a state funeral, with the coffin pulled by horses and the cannon salvos (which, however, could still be fired). At the express request of the Prince himself, who preferred something “less opulent”, there will be no state funeral or even an exhibition of the coffin, but only a minor event officially known as “Royal Ceremonial Funeral“(Royal Funeral Ceremony). It will be a military-style ceremony in Chapel of San Giorgio, the private church inside the castle of Windsor, where Harry and Meghan got married three years ago. The body will be buried in the gardens of the Frogmore Cottage, the former residence of Queen Victoria (and for two years, until the flight to America, the nest of the newlyweds Harry e Meghan), next to the nineteenth century sovereign and her husband, the Prince Albert.
2 – Speech to the Nation
Immediately after the announcement of death, which took place on April 9, 2021, the Queen herself will have to give to the Lord Chamberlain, role held by the baron Parker of Minsmere (former director of MI5, the secret services, entered service as Chamberlain just a month ago), his formal approval for the details of the funeral. It is up to the royal house to issue any invitations to the governments of the world for the participation of monarchs, prime ministers and religious leaders at the funeral. The Queen is likely to make a speech to the nation, but the date of the TV appearance is not yet known.
3 – National Mourning
A period of national mourning has been announced, which will extend until the funeral: the duration is estimated at 8 days, which suggests that the funeral will be held on April 17. As a public sign of “mourning”(“ Mourning ”), all flags will be hoisted at mid-pole for all eight days; there Ceremonial Mace, kept in the House of Commons, the chamber of deputies in Parliament, will be covered with a black cloth and all deputies will wear one black band on the left arm, with the obligation of a black tie for men. All members of the royal family are required to wear mourning clothes (not necessarily black) black armbands. Curiosity of the ceremonial: the mourning suit is always put in a suitcase when every royal leaves for a trip, in case it is needed. During the mourning period, the Queen does not carry out any public engagement. Which also implies that no law can be passed. One was expected state visit del premier Boris Johnson in India: at the moment the trip has not been confirmed. Another consequence is the immediate suspension of the electoral campaign ongoing for local and Scottish Parliament elections. The autonomous government of the Scotland announced the “purdah”: the government does not make announcements and no politician can go on TV, give interviews or give speeches