Harry, William to walk apart at funeral
LONDON: Princes William and Harry, who have faced difficulties in their relationship over the last few months, will walk separately in the funeral procession for Prince Philip.
The prince, who was married to Queen Elizabeth for seven decades and is also known as the Duke of Edinburgh, died on April 9 aged 99.
Echoing the funeral of their mother Princess Diana after her death in 1997, when they were 15 and 12, the brothers will walk behind the coffin of their grandfather during the procession in Windsor tomorrow (NZT).
However, they will not be walking side by side.
Instead, they will be walking in a line separated by their cousin, Peter Phillips.
Prince William will be in front, as he is second in line to the throne after their father Prince Charles, followed by Peter and then Prince Harry.
The brothers have had a tense time recently, which Prince Harry hinted at when he was interviewed by Oprah Winfrey last month.
He described their relationship as being one of ‘‘space at the moment’’ and that they were on ‘‘different paths’’ but said he loved his brother ‘‘to bits’’.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman declined to comment if the procession reflected their relationship, according to the PA news agency.
It is thought that the royals may also be physically distancing as Buckingham Palace said the event will follow strict coronavirus rules.
British media has reported how Prince Harry has been isolating after flying in from his Los Angeles home earlier this week.
The palace confirmed yesterday the men will wear morning coats with their medals while the women will wear day dresses.
Buckingham Palace also announced that British and German relatives of Prince Philip will be attending the scaledback, 30guest funeral.
PreCovid, 800 people would have been invited to the royal consort’s funeral but under the new rules only 30 people are allowed to attend. — DPA