Prince Philip dies: Boris Johnson gives up place at Duke's funeral

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 10 April 2021

Prime Minister Boris Johnson decides not to attend Prince Philip's funeral in order to allow another member of the Royal Family to go in his place.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will not attend the funeral of Prince Philip on Saturday, it has been confirmed.

The Duke of Edinburgh passed away at the age of 99 on Friday morning and will be laid to rest in a ceremony this Saturday afternoon.

As PM, Johnson has been invited to the funeral at Windsor Castle - although with current coronavirus rules limiting attendees to just 30 people, he has given up his spot to allow another family member to attend instead.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: "As a result of the coronavirus regulations, only 30 people can attend the funeral of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

"The prime minister has throughout wanted to act in accordance with what is best for the royal household, and so to allow for as many family members as possible will not be attending the funeral on Saturday."

Prince Harry will fly back to the UK from the US for the service, although his pregnant wife Meghan Markle will not be making the trip for medical reasons.

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