Filenews 10 April 2021
Queen Elizabeth has been plunged into mourning following the death of Prince Philip.
Prince Philip and Elizabeth lived together for over 73 years, while Philip found in Elizabeth's face the support he failed to find throughout his childhood and youth.
His death came at one of the most difficult times for the royal family, as it is not long since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle interviewed Oprah Winfrey.
However, as the duty dictates, Queen Elizabeth will continue her duties on her own without her life partner. Since 2016, Elizabeth has gradually reduced her public duties from 332 to 283 in 2017, while her son Prince Charles has gradually taken on an increasingly active role (507 appearances) and in November 2019 met with his father at the Royal Estate of Sandringham to discuss the implications of his brother Prince Andrew's disastrous interview with the BBC. Charles' central role in Andrew's decision to "marginalise" public life has intensified rumours that he is preparing to take on the duties of a modern "prince - regent."
Elizabeth will turn 95 this month - the same age her late husband left his public office. According to the Daily Mail, courtiers speculate that she will use this milestone to effectively hand over the monarchy's day-to-day affairs to Charles, while retaining the reins.
The "laws" of succession and when Charles will become king
According to Buckingham Palace, succession to the throne is determined by the origin and laws laid down by the British Government. The parliamentary statute dictates that succession to the British throne is influenced by the following factors: origin, legality, religion and gender for anyone born after 28 October 2011. The original law stated that the firstborn son takes precedence over the other children, but under the new one, the new heirs to the throne – both men and women – will be determined by the order in which they are born. This means that girls, like Princess Charlotte, can be included in the order of succession to the throne.
When Queen Elizabeth resigns or dies, Prince Charles will succeed her on the throne as her eldest son. "When the queen dies, Prince Charles will automatically become king," University College London professor Robert Hazel told Insider. "So in his lifetime William is almost certain to see his father crowned king. Only if Charles dies before the queen will William become king after her death. There is nothing to stop him from doing so except any untimely death,' she added.
Prince Philip's 'silent' funeral
At the same time, measures against the coronae pandemic do not allow a state funeral to be held in full tribute for the late Prince Philip.
As the Royal College of Arms informed, no popular state funeral will be organised due to the restrictions against The Covid-19.
"The funeral will not be state-sponsored and will not be preceded by a family pilgrimage. The remains of His Royal Highness will be transported to Windsor Castle ahead of the funeral at St George's Chapel. This goes hand in hand with the tradition and wishes of the deceased," says the College of Arms.
"Plans for the funeral have been revised, given the circumstances that have arisen from the Covid-19 pandemic, and unfortunately citizens are being asked not to attempt to attend or participate in any of the procedures that make up the funeral."
As the Guardian reports, at Prince Philip's funeral, despite the restrictions, there will be a military presence, but the number will be smaller. Preparations are expected at Windsor Castle.
Prince Philip's funeral without people
However, the biggest change in the funeral plan will be the lack of crowds. Officials want to avoid anything that carries a risk of spreading the new coronavirus. Citizens will be able to "participate" in the funeral via television.
According to the Daily Mail, Prince Philip's funeral will be a small family ceremony at St George's Chapel in the gardens of Windsor Castle, before the duke is buried in Frogmore Gardens, where Queen Victoria and Prince Albert rest. The date has not been officially set, but sources claim it could be Saturday, April 17.
Source: news.in.gr
