The British royal family continues this Tuesday to finalize preparations for the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh, which will take place on Saturday in St George’s Chapel, adjacent to Windsor Castle, at the same time as police have increased the number of troops patrolling the area.
Just four days before the grand farewell of Prince Philip, who died last Friday at the age of 99, both the Army and the royal house are working against the clock on the complex machinery that requires a historic occasion.
The Office of Lord Chamberlain, led by Lieutenant Colonel Michael Vernon (chief official of the royal house), is housed in Buckingham Palace – the official residence in London of Queen Elizabeth II – and is in charge of the practical aspects of the event.
Among other issues, this department is responsible for issuing invitations to the event for the 30 elected, a small number in accordance with the current context of severe restrictions by the pandemic.
Everything is being planned to the millimeter: from the exact moment when the members of the royalty will have to arrive at the chapel to occupy their seats in their subsequent movements.
Government guidelines for containing the coronavirus in this country – where an effective immunization program has significantly reduced daily infections and hospital admissions – make it difficult to prepare for the service, by considering rules such as the social distance of two meters or the obligation to wear masks at all times.
The preparations required by the chapel, from the 15th century and Gothic style, to be properly conditioned and set up for the live television broadcast of the funeral, are also being completed.
GREAT POLICE REINFORCEMENT
Until Saturday, armed agents patrol the area around Windsor Castle on the outskirts of London, as police have been reinforcing their presence in the area since last Friday.
The Thames Valley police force confirmed that “high-visibility patrols” had been deployed and that citizens should be warned of “a greater police presence, including armed officers in Windsor during this time of national mourning”.
“Windsor Castle is a royal residence of relevance and we expect the city to be fuller than usual, as people arrive to pay their respects,” the body explained in a note.
Additional agents will also be provided for the city center and adjoining areas with the goal of “keeping residents, businesses and visitors safe at all times.”
Last week, police said that covert security mechanisms would be enabled next Saturday, although some of the measures would be “visible”, such as closed television circuits or “hostile vehicle mitigation barriers”.
However, people are urged not to congregate in royal residences, to avoid large groups, to minimize travel, and not to leave floral offerings, replacing them with a donation to a charity.
COMPLAINTS TO THE BBC COVERAGE OF THE DEATH OF THE PRINCE
The British public television channel BBC is also carrying out technical tests these days in order to ensure a good global broadcast this Saturday.
But to date, the chain has been inundated with 100,000 complaints from viewers, unhappy with its coverage of the event since the news announcement, altering the schedule and suspending spaces to include tribute specials to the duc.
In fact, “The Sun” points out today that this coverage has been the television event with the most complaints received in British history.
Following the death of Prince Philip, members of the royal family have pledged to accompany the British monarch at all times in his future official acts, according to sources close to the tabloid “Daily Mail”.
His eldest son and heir to the throne, Prince Charles of England, his wife, Camila, and the Dukes of Cambridge – Henry and Catherine – will accompany the Queen once the two weeks of national mourning conclude on 22 April.
“The Duke of Edinburgh is irreplaceable and the Queen’s dedication has not diminished. But more veteran officials and members of the royal family have long been pending more support in the future and it seems sensible to start applying this premise now.” , says a source in the newspaper.
Another source added that now “family members will take on more official duties and some of the heavier physical duties for the Queen, and will accompany her when she leaves her residences.”
Elizabeth II is expected to return to work after her husband’s funeral and is scheduled to oversee the reopening of Parliament next month. The media say that the monarch will deliver his traditional speech to deputies on May 11 accompanied by his son Carles.