Prince Philip funeral date leaked on No10 website in Whitehall blunder –quickly deleted
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The No10 official website accidentally gave the date of the funeral in an apparent blunder online. Whitehall officials had told Express.co.uk no information regarding the funeral arrangements would be released by Downing Street and would instead come from Buckingham Palace.
An announcement following the death of the Prince on the gov.uk website, said: “On April 9 2021 Buckingham Palace announced the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.
“From this date, a period of national mourning began and will continue for eight days until the morning of the funeral.
“During that time the Government will issue guidance for the public, organisations and businesses for observing the period of mourning.”
The information, which would put the funeral date as being April 17, has since been deleted.
No10’s announcement now simply reads: “On 9 April 2021 Buckingham Palace announced the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.”
The publishing of the information on the gov.uk website appeared to accidentally make an announcement before the royal household.
The College of Arms, which advises on the flying of flags in the UK on behalf of the Royal Family, has also revealed details of the funeral plans ahead of the Palace.
The College also uses a gov.uk web address and informed the public there would be no State Funeral for the Duke.
In information now deleted, the webpage stated: “The funeral will not be a State Funeral and will not be preceded by a lying-in-State.
“His Royal Highness’s body will lie at rest in Windsor Castle ahead of the funeral in St George’s Chapel.
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“This is in line with custom and with His Royal Highness’s wishes.”
Information of such plans have not yet been officially announced by the Royal Family.
In a statement released following the leaked details, the Palace said the exact plans for the funeral were still being “considered” by the Queen.
It said: “During the coronavirus 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.
“Details will be confirmed in due course.”
More to follow…
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