Windsor businesses brace for influx of visitors for Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral
Prince Charles has made his first public appearance with Camilla since the death of the Duke of Edinburgh to view flowers and tributes left in his memory.
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall appeared “close to tears” during a visit to Marlborough House in London, where bouquets of flowers, portraits and messages have been left by those wanting to honour Prince Philip.
As the date for the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral approaches, Buckingham Palace and the royal family are hard at work preparing for the event, which will be attended only by close relatives due to the coronavirus restrictions.
The Palace will set out details of the funeral later today, including who will be attending and the full timeline of the event on Saturday 17 April.
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Boris Johnson visits Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth to commemorate Prince Philip
Boris Johnson said his thoughts were with the Queen again after he visited Dartmouth where she is said to have first met her husband the Duke of Edinburgh, who died last week.
The prime minister told broadcasters: “I’m here at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, which is the college from which the Duke of Edinburgh himself passed out, became an officer in 1940 before going on to have that amazing distinguished Navy career – the Battle of Cape Matapan, Sicily and then seeing the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay.
“And you’ve just seen those wonderful cadets become officers themselves and incarnating the finest traditions of the Royal Navy, in the way the duke did himself.
“And actually, funnily enough, here in this very garden, I think in 1939, the Duke of Edinburgh met the then Princess Elizabeth for the very first time, so our thoughts are with her again today.”
Kate Ng15 April 2021 14:15
What is the protocol if a senior member of the royal family dies?
Jade Bremner and Olivia Petter outline the plans and procedures that are activated when a senior member of the royal family dies:
Kate Ng15 April 2021 14:10
Watch: Military rehearses for Prince Philip’s funeral procession
Military rehearse ahead of Prince Philip’s funeral
Kate Ng15 April 2021 13:45
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award part of Duke’s legacy, says actor Ross Kemp
Ross Kemp has said the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award will form part of its founder’s legacy as he called for donations to a fund aiming to help a million young people complete the scheme.
The actor is a supporter of the award, which is hoping to reach the target over the next five years with its Living Legacy Fund.
The money will help to establish new centres, train thousands more leaders and volunteers and provide targeted help to young people who need specialist support to complete their award, the DofE Award charity previously announced.
Former EastEnders star Kemp, 56, told the PA news agency: “The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is part of his legacy and I think it’s something he wholeheartedly supported because of his belief in young people.
“It’s open to people from all walks of life, people who are marginalised, young offenders can get on the course, people in schools, people who are members of clubs and, as I say, it gives not only value to yourself but also helps you to understand the value of being part of a community.
“Particularly coming out of lockdown you can’t underestimate that.”
Kemp said he has “witnessed first hand the difference it can make to a young person’s life” and has handed out awards to participants.
“It helps people’s self-belief, it gives people life skills, it helps them to deal with things that might be thrown at them in later life,” he said.
Kate Ng15 April 2021 13:20
Queen likely to sit alone at Prince Philip’s funeral
The Queen is expected to have to sit alone at the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral on Saturday, due to Covid regulations and rules on support bubbles.
Kate Ng15 April 2021 12:50
How do I watch Prince Philip’s funeral on TV?
As members of the public have been advised not to travel to Windsor to pay their respects at Prince Philip’s funeral on Saturday, the event will be televised live by the BBC.
My colleague Ella Glover has the details on what time it starts and how you can tune in:
Kate Ng15 April 2021 12:30
Watch: Windsor businesses brace for influx of visitors for Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral
Windsor businesses brace for influx of visitors for Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral
Kate Ng15 April 2021 12:15
Prince Charles and Camilla view flower tributes to Prince Philip
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall have viewed flowers left by the public in memory of the Duke of Edinburgh.
The couple appeared moved by the scale of the tributes, which also included notes of condolence and drawings by young children that had been left in Royal Parks, as they visited Marlborough House Gardens on Thursday.
Kate Ng15 April 2021 12:00
Prince Philip was ‘generous with his time’ during Royal Marines events
The Commandant General of the Royal Marines has spoken of the “generous” time the Duke of Edinburgh gave to the regiment.
Major General Matt Holmes said Philip had a “long and happy association” with the Royal Marines, of which he held the ceremonial title of Captain General for 64 years until 2017.
Speaking to Times Radio, he said of the duke: “We were utterly privileged and honoured to enjoy his company on numerous occasions.
“He gave his support to the corps and often visited us on operations at home during his time.
“We had numerous encounters, and I think that was the beauty of his service with us.
“He was always generous with his time.”
Major General Holmes said the Royal Marines Band Service will perform at the funeral.
He added: “From my recollection there were a number of formal events that he attended.
“The one that really stands out is when he flew all the way to Exeter airport from London to meet one of my companies returning from Afghanistan.
“He spent an hour on the ground. He hated fuss, so we would host him and he would go straight amongst the marines and talk to our valiant warriors.”
He said the duke would be interested in the modernisation of defence, adding: “Certainly I think he was interested, in particular, in innovation and technological developments.”
Kate Ng15 April 2021 11:45
Princess Anne recalls sailing with Prince Philip in first appearance since his death
The Princess Royal has made her first public appearance since the death of her father.
On Wednesday, Princess Anne met with two yacht clubs on the Isle of Wight, where she spoke about her memories of sailing with her father as a child.
Asked if she sailed on a particular boat with Prince Philip, she said: “I was considered a bit too young and a bit of a nuisance.”
Kate Ng15 April 2021 11:30