No Military Uniforms For Royals At Philip's Funeral

Ceremony will begin on Saturday at 1300 GMT; William and Harry will not walk side by side in the procession, says palace

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WINDSOR

Britain’s senior royals will eschew tradition and wear morning suits rather than military uniforms for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth’s husband Prince Philip, in an attempt to prevent embarrassment for Princes Andrew and Harry.

Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, died aged 99 last week and his funeral - a ceremonial royal funeral rather than a state funeral - will be held entirely at Windsor Castle on Saturday.

The service will feature much of the original planning made by the prince himself, but has had to be scaled back and modified because of restrictions brought in to curb the spread of COVID-19, meaning the queen and the other 29 mourners permitted to attend will wear masks.

“Members of the royal family will be wearing morning coat with medals or day dress,” a Buckingham Palace spokesman said. “That’s to say members of the royal family will not be in military uniform.”

Traditionally at such formal occasions, the royals wear military uniforms, often reflecting honorary titles they hold.