Queen Elizabeth Enters 8 Days Of Mourning After Death Of Prince Philip

Queen Elizabeth II is set to enter an eight day mourning period following the death of her husband Prince Phillip.

The Queen, 94, will be taking a break from her normal royal duties as she mourns the death of her husband of 73 years.

All royal duties and affairs of the state will be paused during this period. Following the eight days of mourning, the country will continue its mourning period for 10 more days and the royal household will continue its mourning period for 30 more days.

During this time, royal guardsman will be seen with black armbands, and members of parliament are also expected to wear black armbands for the next few days. All official union flags will be flown at half-mast, (except for the flag at Windsor Castle) until the day after his funeral. News anchors will also don black clothing, some comedy shows will be suspended and more somber music will be played on the radio.

Prince Phillip’s funeral will take place at St. George’s Chapel within Windsor Castle, where his body is currently at rest. An official funeral date has yet to be announced.

“During the coronavirus pandemic, and in light of current government advice and social distancing guidelines, modified funeral and ceremonial arrangements for His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh are being considered by Her Majesty The Queen. Details will be confirmed in due course,” the palace said in a statement.

The royal family has urged the public to follow COVID-19 guidelines and to not gather in large groups while mourning the prince. They announced that an online Book of Condolences will replace the physical book of condolences for the safety of the public.

“With the safety and wellbeing of the public in mind, and in accordance with government guidelines, members of the public are asked not to gather in crowds,” the palace said. Those wishing to express their condolences are asked to do so in the safest way possible, and not to gather at Royal Residences.”

The royal family also urged people to make a donation to a charity instead of leaving flowers at royal residencies.

“During this time the Royal Family ask that members of the public consider making a donation to a charity instead of leaving floral tributes in memory of The Duke of Edinburgh,” they said.