Queen Elizabeth Enters 8-Day Period of Mourning After Death of 'Beloved' Husband Prince Philip

The monarch will refrain from carrying out any royal duties as she grieves the loss of her husband of 73 years

Prince Philip's funeral plans have been set in motion as Queen Elizabeth enters an eight-day period of mourning following the death of her husband on Friday.

The monarch, 94, will refrain from carrying out any royal duties during this time. Affairs of state will also be put on pause. The funeral will take place at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.

Following the eight days, a further period of official Royal Mourning is expected to continue. While the country is expected to go into a period of 10 days of mourning, the royal household will do so for 30 days, and guardsmen will be seen with black armbands on their tunics during that period.

Listen below to the episode of our daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day where we are looking back at Prince Philip's life and legacy.

In a statement, the palace said Friday, "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.

"With the safety and wellbeing of the public in mind, and in accordance with government guidelines, members of the public are asked not to gather in crowds. Those wishing to express their condolences are asked to do so in the safest way possible, and not to gather at Royal Residences.

"During this time the Royal Family ask that members of the public consider making a donation to a charity instead of leaving floral tributes in memory of The Duke of Edinburgh. An online Book of Condolence for those who wish to leave messages is available on the Royal website.

"Union flags have been half-masted at all Royal residences flying the Union flag. The Royal Standard will continue to fly at Windsor Castle where The Queen is in residence."

**strictly under embargo until 2200hrs GMT on Thursday 19th November 2020**
Queen Elizabeth wearing her honeymoon brooch on her wedding anniversary in Nov. 2020. Chris Jackson/WPA Pool/Shutterstock

In keeping with his wishes, Philip will likely have a royal ceremonial funeral, not a full state funeral, which means that he will not lie in state.

The royal family announced Prince Philip's death on Friday morning.

"It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh," a royal communications statement read.

The Queen And The Duke Of Edinburgh Release A Photograph To Celebrate The Duke's 99th Birthday
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. Steve Parsons/Press Association via Getty

The Duke of Edinburgh "passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle," the statement continued.

Watch Elizabeth & Philip: A Royal Romance – The True Story Behind the Crown on PeopleTV.com or on the PeopleTV app.

Prince Philip
Prince Philip. Max Mumby/Getty

The Duke of Edinburgh was hospitalized on Feb. 16 after being taken to King Edward VII hospital in London on the advice of his doctor after "feeling unwell," Buckingham Palace said in a previous statement. He was released a month later following treatment for an infection and a successful procedure for a pre-existing heart condition. He returned to Windsor Castle, where he and the Queen have been staying amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The royal would have turned 100 on June 10.

Related Articles