-
The purpose of this document is to provide the public,
industry and businesses with information and key links
regarding national mourning. This document should be read in
conjunction with current public health advice available at
GOV.UK.
Introduction
-
Buckingham Palace has released details of the funeral of His
Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. Details of these
announcements are available on the Royal Website.
-
A period of national mourning has commenced and will conclude
on 17 April inclusive.
-
The Government understands that this is a difficult and sad
time for many, and that members of the public will wish to
pay their respects. In order to protect each other and reduce
the risk of COVID-19 transmission we are asking the public
not to visit Royal Residences or gather in public at this
time, and to continue to follow all COVID-19
regulations in the place you reside. In particular, we
respectfully ask that the public does not attempt to attend
any events associated with the funeral of His Royal Highness.
Ceremonial Arrangements
-
His Royal Highness will lie-at-rest in Windsor Castle ahead
of the funeral service, but this will not be open to the
public.
-
The Royal Ceremonial Funeral of His Royal Highness The Duke
of Edinburgh will be held on 17 April at 15.00 in St.
George’s Chapel. Further details can be found at the Royal Website.
Flags and Silences
-
Union flags flying from Royal Residences and Government
Buildings were half-masted on 9 April and will remain
half-masted until 08.00 on 18 April, the day after the
funeral.
-
Businesses or other organisations wishing to pay their
respects by half-masting flags or holding silences should
follow the guidance that has
been issued by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and
Sport.
-
A national one minute silence will take place at 15.00 on the
day of the funeral.
Flowers
-
In order to comply with COVID-19 restrictions in place, and
to prevent the spread of infection, we respectfully ask
members of the public not to lay flowers or other memorial
items such as candles, messages and mementoes, at Royal
Residences or other public spaces.
Tributes
-
We understand that many people would like to express their
grief on the death of His Royal Highness. Making a donation
to one of His Royal Highness’ many patronages is a fitting
way of paying tribute to his remarkable legacy. A list of His
Royal Highness’ patronages, and how you can donate can be
found on the Royal Website.
Books of Condolence
-
A Book of Condolence is available online at the Royal Website.
Unfortunately, In order to comply with COVID-19 restrictions
in place, and to reduce the risk of transmission, Books of
Condolence will not be available in public buildings for
people to sign in person.
Websites and Social Media
-
Online communication channels may also choose to reflect the
death of The Duke of Edinburgh and participate in the period
of national mourning. Organisations, such as those of which
His Royal Highness was patron, could modify the homepage of
their site to feature a visual indication of mourning, for
example the use of black edging or black banners.
Sporting Events
-
The decision as to whether sporting fixtures continue to go
ahead is at the discretion of organisers. Organisers may wish
to consider using black armbands and observing a silence
before matches are played.
Business
-
Businesses may wish to make arrangements for observing the
national one minute silence at 15.00 on the day of the
funeral. There is no expectation for businesses to close
during the mourning period unless they wish to. This is a
decision for individual organisations.
Public Services
-
All public services and any services involved in the
Government response to COVID-19 will continue as usual
throughout the mourning period. Members of the public will be
able to access information and services online as necessary.
