(Image: Kensington Royal/Instagram)
Cover (Image: Kensington Royal/Instagram)

Senior royals will also be wearing civilian clothes to the funeral to preserve family unity

Buckingham Palace has announced details of Prince Philip's funeral happening tomorrow, including the running order of the procession. It shows that Prince William and Prince Harry will not be walking side-by-side during the ceremony as they walk behind their grandfather's coffin along with other members of the royal family into the church.

This detail puts the spotlight on the strained relationship between the two brothers once again.

All eyes have been on Prince William and Prince Harry since the passing of Prince Philip especially after Harry and his wife, Meghan, participated in an explosive interview with Oprah in March this year. The interview brought heavy allegations of racism and ignorance of mental health struggles against the royal family. 

The interview occurred while Queen Elizabeth II's husband, Prince Philip, was in hospital.

(Related: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Has Died at Age 99)

It has since been revealed that Prince Harry will be flying back to the UK for the funeral, albeit without his pregnant wife, who was advised against making the long transatlantic journey. 

In Buckingham Palace's funeral programme, it was revealed that Peter Phillips, who is Prince William and Harry's cousin, will walk between the two brothers as the coffin is transported to St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

The queen and Prince Philip's children, Prince Charles and Princess Anne will be leading the procession which will include 15 people. 

(Related: Buckingham Palace Issues Response to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Oprah Interview)

In addition to having the brothers walk apart from each other, the palace has announced in their statement that the royal family will wear a "day dress or morning coat with medals".

This means that they will all be in civilian clothes and not in their military uniforms as they usually are for major public events. 

(Related: No, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Didn't Secretly Marry 3 Days Before Their Wedding)

This is likely because Prince Harry lost his honorary military titles when he made the decision to give up his frontline royal duties in 2020.

As such, according to protocol, Harry can only wear a suit with medals at royal functions. As a result of this decision by the palace, Harry will not be the only member of the Royal family not in uniform during the funeral proceedings. 

The palace has also announced that all 30 guests at the funeral will wear masks and that the service is expected to last about 50 minutes before The Duke of Edinburgh’s coffin is lowered into the royal vault. 

The funeral will also be broadcast worldwide for the world to watch. 

(Related: Meghan Markle Will Not Be Attending Prince Philip’s Funeral, But Prince Harry Will)

Topics