Queen Elizabeth to sit alone at the funeral of her husband due to COVID-19 rules
Queen Elizabeth II will sit alone at the funeral of her husband due to strict coronavirus rules, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.
Just 30 mourners will be allowed inside St George's Chapel on Saturday when Prince Philip is farewelled, the list including royals and three of the duke's German relatives.
Those in attendance must also wear face masks.
READ MORE: The Royal Family members who will attend Prince Philip's funeral
Queen Elizabeth II will sit alone at the funeral of Prince Philip on Saturday. Getty
Under the UK's current COVID-19 restrictions, anyone attending a funeral must stay at least two metres apart from other mourners not in the same household.
It means members of the royal family will have to spread out inside the chapel to adhere to social distancing requirements.
Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Philip had been isolating together at Windsor Castle since March 2020, with a small number of household staff known as the HMS Bubble.
Under UK law, the Queen is not eligible to be in a support bubble (joining other family members from separate households) because she does not live on her own.
The 30 people who will attend Prince Philip's funeral. Tara Blancato/9Honey
Her Majesty will be driven to St George's Chapel in a State Bentley, accompanied by a lady-in-waiting.
RELATED: Prince William and Prince Harry to be separated during funeral procession
Prince Harry will also have to sit on his own during the ceremony as he does not live with anyone else in attendance. His wife, Meghan, has remained at home in California, as she has not been given medical clearance to travel so late in her pregnancy.
Harry's cousin Peter Philips will also sit alone, as he will attend the service without his estranged wife Autumn.
The Queen and Prince Philip had been isolating with staff at Windsor Castle ahead of the duke's death. Getty
The Prince of Wales will be allowed to sit with his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, while Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, can be seated together.
Military rehearsals have taken place in Surrey for the funeral which "very much" reflects the late duke's interests.
The funeral will see 730 members of the Armed Forces parade at Windsor Castle, including four military bands.
The route of Prince Philip's funeral procession. Tara Blancato/9Honey
Those present from the military will include personnel from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and RAF.
READ MORE: Why Prince Philip's death is a loss for not only the Queen but the world
Prince Philip had a lifelong connection to the armed forces, having served in the Royal Navy.
The event will be televised and there will be no public element to the farewell.
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