brothers at arm's length
Prince Harry and William to walk apart at Prince Philip’s funeral as Queen rules Peter Phillips to stand between them
WILLS and Harry will be kept 12ft apart as they walk behind Prince Philip’s coffin on Saturday.
The brothers will be separated by Princess Anne’s son Peter Phillips, 43, during the procession as the Queen says farewell to her husband of 73 years at Windsor Castle.
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Seating plans for all 30 guests at the ceremony have yet to be revealed — but Harry and Wills will have to stick to Covid guidelines on maintaining a safe distance.
Buckingham Palace said the tricky arrangements have been agreed by all members of the family and represent Her Majesty’s wishes.
The princes will first gather with other royals at 2.41pm for the procession.
They will leave at 2.45pm for an eight-minute walk to St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.
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Princess Anne’s son Peter Phillips, 43 — a pal of both William, 38, and Harry, 36 — will stand between them meaning they will be at least 12ft apart as the coffin is driven on a converted Land Rover.
The line-up is in stark contrast to Diana’s funeral in 1997 when the young princes stood united behind their mum’s coffin.
Once inside the chapel tomorrow, the brothers will split into pairs with William beside Peter, and Harry next to the Earl of Snowdon.
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The Queen will be driven to the ceremony in her state Bentley and, like all guests, will be wearing a mask at all times. It is understood she will sit alone in the chapel.
A national minute’s silence will be held at 3pm to signal the start of the funeral service, which is expected to last until 3.50pm.
All mourners will sit two metres apart to comply with pandemic guidelines.
Royal biographer Penny Junor said of the brothers’ rift: “The Queen has found an elegant solution to a very awkward problem.
“I imagine it has been difficult but she’s been all over the detail. It is such a terrible shame it has come to this. I think the rift between those two brothers is really tragic.
“After all they have been through together during a difficult childhood and adult life, I hope they can sort it out.”
William has barely spoken to Harry since he and wife Meghan announced last January they would quit royal duty.
Kensington Palace has not confirmed if the brothers have been in touch since Sunday when Harry flew in from California, where he, Meghan and son Archie now live.
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Asked if arrangements for the procession reflected the brothers’ relationship, a Buckingham Palace spokesman said yesterday: “This is a funeral.
“We are not going to be drawn into perceptions and drama. The arrangements have been agreed and represent Her Majesty’s wishes.”
They said the procession will include the Queen and Philip’s four children, representatives of their grandchildren and some royals.
The spokesman added: “The Duke sat down before his death and we had detailed plans. The family have to implement those wishes in the best way they can.”
More details released yesterday reveal Philip’s eldest children Charles and Anne will lead the procession, followed by Princes Andrew and Edward, side by side.
Behind them will walk Harry, William and Peter.
Those walking in the procession will not have to wear a mask while outside.
Twenty other members of the family, including Camilla and Kate, will make their way to the chapel separately by car.
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A reduced choir of just four singers will feature during the service — with the guests not allowed to sing under Covid funeral rules.
The official seating plan will be released tomorrow so it is not yet known whether the Queen will have someone from her “HMS Bubble” comforting her.
But she will be joined by a lady-in-waiting as she is driven to the service in the Bentley.
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Members of the public have been warned to stay away from the event, which is taking place behind the castle walls, and to watch on TV instead.
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At Diana’s funeral, her brother Earl Spencer walked in the middle behind the coffin — flanked by William, then 15, and Harry, 12.
Philip and Charles were on the outside.
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