Prince Philip mourning period: What the 8 days of national mourning mean

THE UK and the Royal Family are coming to terms with the death of Prince Philip, who has passed away at the age of 99.

But will there be a national period of mourning? Here are all the details you need to know.

* Read our live blog for the very latest news on Prince Philip's death…

When did the mourning period start and when does it end?

As was planned in Operation Forth Bridge, which outlined the details of what would happen in the hours, days and weeks following the death of Prince Philip, the UK has entered a national period of mourning.

This period will last until midnight on the day of the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral -April 17 – and is to be ‘observed by all’.

What happened during the period of mourning?

Over the next few days, you can expect to see many differences in public life.

These will include flags being flown at half-mast and MPs wearing black armbands in the House of Commons.

You should also look out for newsreaders wearing black clothing in front of the screen, the suspension of some comedy shows on TV and the playing of more sombre music on radio stations.

How will government announcements be affected?

MPs are to return from their Easter break today [April 12] to pay tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh.

Ministers are back to the Commons a day early and will sit from 2:30pm until as late as 10pm.

The official Order Paper for Monday outlines the day's Commons business states just one single debate in which there will be a "Humble Address" presented to the Queen "expressing the deepest sympathies" and giving "heartfelt thanks".

All media activity has been suspended for the national mourning period meaning no Covid press conferences, no press releases other than essential health reasons.

Ministers will also cancel planned visits and interviews including daily interviews on breakfast TV shows and political shows.

Labour are also withdrawing from interviews and visits.

Any announcements or updates to government websites or Twitter accounts would have to be personally approved by the directors of communications.

“All public services and any services involved in the Government response to COVID-19 will continue as usual throughout the mourning period,” Government guidance says.

When will the Queen return to her public duties?

The Queen is observing her own period of mourning over the death of her husband, and this will last for eight days.

During this time, she will not conduct any affairs of state, and so no new laws will be passed until the period of mourning ends.

Her Majesty is likely to enter into a period of official Royal mourning beyond the initial eight days, and will return to her public duties at the end of this period.

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