What will happen after the death of Prince Philip?

The death of Prince Philip at the age of 99 will set in motion a carefully choreographed series of events.

His body is expected to lie in state at St James’s Palace, before he is buried at Frogmore Gardens, within the grounds of Windsor Castle. The funeral will take place at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.

The public will not be able to see the body. Only family, friends and heads of state from other Commonwealth countries are expected to be invited to the funeral. It is not yet known how Covid regulations could affect the funeral arrangements.

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Both the Queen and the UK will enter a mourning period. The Queen’s mourning period for her husband is thought to be eight days. During this time, laws will not be given Royal Assent and other state affairs will be put on hold.

After eight days, the Queen will return to her royal duties but behind closed doors as the public sees out the remainder of its 30-day mourning period.

What happens to the Royal Family?

Nothing about the line of succession changes: Prince Philip was a consort to the Queen and could not succeed her. Prince Charles will remain next in line to the throne, followed by Prince William.

However, the Daily Express suggests that we should should expect the Queen to “retreat considerably once her husband, who she described on their 50th wedding anniversary as her ‘strength and stay’, is laid to rest”.