Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Boris Johnson will miss Prince Philip funeral to make room for family, No 10 says

Covid rules mean ceremony at Windsor Castle limited to 30 guests

Andrew Woodcock
Political Editor
Saturday 10 April 2021 20:07 BST
Comments
Boris Johnson pays tribute to Duke of Edinburgh
Leer en Español

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will not attend the funeral of Prince Philip on Saturday, 10 Downing Street has announced.

A spokesperson said the decision had been taken because of the strict limit of 30 on attendance at the ceremony in Windsor Castle on 17 April under coronavirus regulations.

Mr Johnson took the decision not to attend in order not to take a space which could go to a member of the Duke of Edinburgh’s family.

“As a result of the Coronavirus regulations, only 30 people can attend the funeral of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh,” said the spokesperson. 

“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”.

Campaigning for 6 May elections to local councils and the Scottish and Welsh parliaments has been suspended as a mark of respect to the Duke.

The House of Commons and the devolved assemblies in Cardiff and Edinburgh will be recalled on Monday to allow members an opportunity to pay tribute to the Queen’s consort of more than 70 years.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in