Queen Returns to Royal Duties Four Days After Death of Prince Philip
The Queen has returned to royal duties, four days after the death of the Duke of Edinburgh, to mark the retirement of her household’s most senior official.
The monarch held her first inperson event to host a ceremony at Windsor as William Peel formally stood down as Lord Chamberlain. The earl had overseen the arrangements for the duke’s funeral, known as Operation Forth Bridge.
He had handed responsibility for the operation to his successor, former MI5 spy chief Andrew Parker, just a week before Prince Philip died at Windsor Castle.
The Lord Chamberlain’s Office, led by the Queen’s Comptroller, Lt Col Michael Vernon, is tasked with the practical side of the service on Saturday. But in overall charge is Lord Parker, who took up his new role on April 1 following Peel’s retirement after more than 14 years in the post.
Reports have speculated that the Queen might have to sit on her own during the funeral in St George’s chapel because COVID rules state that people must stay at least two metres apart from anyone who is not part of their household.
The Queen does not meet the requirements under the rules to join a support bubble because she does not live alone.
However, a member of her Windsor Castle staff would be allowed to sit with her, and it seems unlikely the monarch will not have someone to accompany her at her husband’s funeral.
The 30 mourners allowed at the ceremony under coronavirus rules must wear face coverings during the service and are not allowed to sing.