Prince Philip funeral: Royals don't wear masks as they walk with coffin, put them on after entering chapel
Royal family members were spotted without a face mask as they walked during the ceremonial funeral procession of Prince Philip to St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.
While members of the family wore black face masks while traveling to the somber event, several photos surfaced of them walking maskless as part of the Duke of Edinburgh's royal procession today. However, they wore the masks upon entering St George's Chapel.
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Among the royal members spotted without face coverings were Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince Harry, Prince Edward, Peter Phillips, David Armstrong-Jones, Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, and Princess Anne.
Prince Philip is being laid to rest in a restricted funeral. His wife of 73 years, Queen Elizabeth II, was also forced to wear a face mask.
The royal family has had no choice but to adhere to pandemic health guidelines, forcing them to scale down the event. Buckingham Palace had previously confirmed that all 30 attendees will have to wear a face mask when they enter St George's Chapel for the service. However, those walking in the procession, including Prince William, Prince Harry and Philip's four children, were exempted from wearing a mask while outside.
Inside the chapel, all members of the royal family were required to be seated two meters apart for the 50-minute service. The palace previously confirmed that all those who had traveled to the funeral had met the "guidelines."
During the service, a reduced choir of just four singers was allowed, and the guests were not allowed to sing under Covid funeral rules, according to The Sun.
The palace also revealed that the Queen will be joined by a lady-in-waiting while being driven to the service in a Bentley. However, it's believed the Queen will sit alone in the chapel with her late husband's coffin, considering the aide is not included on the guest list.
Meanwhile, the public has been warned not to approach the somber event, which is currently underway behind the walls of Windsor Castle. Well-wishers have also been instructed not to leave flowers for the duke and instead sign an online book of condolences if they wanted to pay their respects, The Sun reported.