Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's interview with Oprah Winfrey caused tensions between them and the royal family.
Prince Philip's death became the center stage of attention not just because of the tragic loss but also because of Prince Harry's arrival in the UK in the light of his groundbreaking interview with Oprah Winfrey along with his wife Meghan Markle. The interview which made revelations and accusations against the royal family contributed to the widening of the already existing gap between Harry and William. The funeral arrangements revealed by Buckingham Palace also hints at this rift. However, the palace spokesperson confirmed it was just a "practical change."
According to People, Buckingham Palace announced Prince Philip's funeral arrangement details including the procession order and attendees. They stated that Prince William and Harry will not walk next to each other in the procession that will be held as part of the funeral on April 17, 2021.
Their cousin brother Peter Phillips, the son of Princess Anne, is set to walk in between them. For the second procession into St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, Prince Harry will walk with David Armstrong-Jones, the son of Princess Margaret, and William will walk with Peter.
Addressing the procession order, a spokesperson stated it was not meant to send any kind of signal. They added, "This is a funeral and we are not going to be drawn into perceptions of drama. The arrangements have been agreed and represent Her Majesty's wishes."
Further, they informed that the attendees would wear masks and maintain social distancing during the services. With the pandemic, the funeral will be a closed affair for just immediate family and friends. "Ironically, it is probably how he would have liked. No fuss, no bother. Right through his life, he never knew what all the fuss was about," said former palace spokeswoman Ailsa Anderson.
All four of Prince Philip's and Queen Elizabeth's children will be present at the funeral. Charles's wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Anne's husband Timothy Laurence, and Edward's wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex will also attend the service. Philip's eight grandchildren will include other attendees.
As per the announcement, Prince William's wife Kate, Zara Tindall's husband Mike, Princess Eugenie's husband Jack Brooksbank, and Princess Beatrice's husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are all expected to be a part of Philip's farewell. Other attendees will consist of staff members and close family.
The palace also confirmed that the royals will not be wearing their ceremonial uniforms, contrary to the traditional practice. "Members of the royal family will be wearing morning coat with medals or day dress. That’s to say members of the royal family will not be in military uniform," said the spokesperson.
According to The Guardian, the decision was made considering Prince Harry, who stepped down as a senior member of the royal family, and Prince Andrew, who was refused admiral promotion due to his engagement with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Meanwhile, all eyes are on Prince William and Harry. During the interview with Oprah, Meghan accused the royal family of racism and even stated that she was denied help during her mental health struggles. Responding to the racism allegations, Prince William stated, "We are very much not a racist family." He also told reporters that he did not speak to Harry after the interview, but confirmed that he hoped to have a conversation with him soon.
As per reports, though the brothers spoke to each other, their "conversations were not productive."
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Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Photos by L) Alastair Grant and (R) Brian Lawless
