COVID, Prince Philip's no-fuss attitude mean simple funeral

His death was marked with 41-gun salutes at noon on Saturday at locations across the country, including the Tower of London. Pic/AFP

Prince Philip will be laid to rest with all the honors due to a prince of the United Kingdom and a consort to Queen Elizabeth II.

But the Coronavirus pandemic means it would be a more low-key farewell than has marked many royal deaths. The pandemic has required changes to the well-prepared plans for Philip's passing, code-named Operation Forth Bridge.

"During the pandemic, and in light of current government advice and social distancing guidelines, modified funeral and ceremonial arrangements for His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh are being considered by Her Majesty The Queen," Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

But the palace and the British government urged people not to gather or lay flowers outside the royal residences to honour him. The palace instead invited well-wishers to sign a book of condolences - but only online, to avoid crowds and queues. It's thought that Harry will try to travel from his home in Montecito, California, to say goodbye to his grandfather, but he could have to navigate Britain's Coronavirus rules.

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