Public told to stay away from Windsor Castle during Philip’s funeral

Members of the public wishing to pay their respects to the Duke of Edinburgh have been told to stay away from Windsor Castle and other palaces during his funeral.

Both the royal family and the Government urged people to keep their distance during the televised farewell to Philip from within the grounds of the castle on April 17.

Guidance from the Cabinet Office issued on Saturday said it is up to the organisers of sporting events if they wish to continue fixtures as planned.

They were told they may wish to consider black armbands for players and observing a silence before matches, following the duke’s death at the age of 99 on Friday.

Businesses were told they are not expected to close during the period of national mourning lasting until the day after the Philip’s funeral.

But the document, titled “Guidance for the Period of National Mourning”, did advise firms they may wish to make arrangements for observing the minute-long silence starting at 3pm on April 17.

A Palace spokesman said: “While there is sadness that the public will not be able to physically be part of events to commemorate the life of the duke, the royal family asks that anyone wishing to express their condolences do so in the safest way possible and not by visiting Windsor or any other royal palaces to pay their respects.

“The family’s wish is very much that people continue to follow the guidelines to keep themselves and others safe.

“His Royal Highness’s funeral will be broadcast to enable as many people as possible to be part of the occasion, to mourn with us and celebrate a truly extraordinary life.”