Mourners told to pay respects at home due to COVID restrictions
Windsor: Floral tributes left but the public are asked not to gather at castle
An online book of condolence has been created so people can pay their respects. The public has been urged to stay away from Windsor Castle or other royal residences under COVID-19 restrictions .
Members of the public have been asked not to gather outside Windsor Castle after mourners visited on Friday to pay their respects following the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.
Before the announcement was made in the afternoon, people gathered at the castle with floral tributes, drawings and letters.
Police and Royal Household staff directed mourners to the Cambridge Gate by the Long Walk where people could pay their respects.
Speaking on Friday morning, Cllr Samantha Rayner, cabinet member for Windsor and trustee for the Prince Philip Trust Fund, said the Duke ‘always kept Windsor in his heart’ and was invested in the local charities and clubs.
She said he was ‘always lovely’ and recalled memories of him enjoying Windsor Horse Show and attending fundraising events in the Royal Borough.
Councillor Sayonara Luxton said he was always joking and said her favourite memory of the Duke was at a charity dinner at the Guildhall she hosted as Mayor of Windsor and Maidenhead.
“I thought he was the funniest person I’ve ever met, he had such a fantastic sense of humour,” she said.
“I think he didn’t leave until about 11. He and I had a great time.”
The floral tributes were moved from the Long Walk and taken to the Royal
Family, along with all the cards.
A horse balloon blew in the wind among the flowers, along with drawings from children.
Windsor resident Katie Weeks was with her baby daughter and her mother Lynne.
She said she felt closer to the Royal Family as locals.
Her mum added: “I’m so glad that so many people have come here to pay their respects.”
She said the Duke did so much for young people including setting up the Duke of Edinburgh award and his work for Windsor Great Park.
The Duke was appointed Ranger of the park in 1952 and had worked to make it more accessible to the public and reintroduced deer.
Lynne added: “I sent him a book about 18 months ago about how trees communicate with each other. He must have thought I was crackers.”
But she did receive a letter in response.
Onkar Singh, Mannsi Kaur and Sukhdev Singh paid their respects.
Mannsi said: “I think no matter how much the world changes around us the Royals are always there.
“They provide this sense of tradition and continuity for the British public.
“I think now with Prince Philip’s passing there is a big shock for the British public but I hope the Queen gets through this and we the British public will stand with her.”
The trio added that most people were social distancing.