Union flags raised over royal palaces as official mourning for Prince Philip ends
It comes after the funeral service for Prince Philip
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Your support makes all the difference.Union flags flying over the royal palaces have been raised following the funeral of Prince Philip.
It means the Queen is officially back to work as she continues to grieve her husband of 73 years.
The Duke of Edinburgh was the longest-serving consort, having been by the Queen’s side from the very beginning of her reign.
The flags had been flying at half-mast after the announcement of his death, to symbolise an eight-day national mourning period.
Guidance on the government’s website said: “Union flags flying from royal residences and government buildings were half-masted on 9 April and will remain half-masted until 8am on 18 April, the day after the funeral.”
From Monday, the Royal Family will resume royal duties but will continue to wear black clothing and wear mourning bands, when appropriate.
One flag that is never lowered is the Royal Standard flag, which flies outside a royal residence when the Queen is presently residing there. As per protocol, it is never flown at half-mast.
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh had been residing at Windsor Castle during the national coronavirus lockdowns. The Queen has returned there following the funeral.
Due to coronavirus restrictions, the funeral was a scaled-back affair from what had originally been planned. The duke had requested there be “no fuss”.
Just 30 mourners were able to attend the ceremony - guests included the duke’s family and close friends.
In the chapel, the Queen was forced to sit alone during the service as individual households are required to social distance in line with government guidelines.
During the procession of the hearse from Windsor Castle to St George’s Chapel, the Queen was supported by lady-in-waiting Lady Susan Hussey who was permitted to join the monarch in the State Bentley as she is within in Royal household coronavirus bubble.
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