SINGING SENDOFF
Prince Philip funeral guests WON’T sing at service due to Covid – but a choir will perform
GUESTS at Prince Philip's funeral WON'T be allowed to sing at the service today because of coronavirus rules.
Only a small choir will be able to perform pieces of music chosen by the Duke of Edinburgh himself, Buckingham Palace said.
🔵 Read our Prince Philip funeral live blog for the latest updates
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The choir of singers will be made up of three lay clerks in St George's Chapel choir and one soprano.
And the singers will be seated away from the congregation-of-30, in line with Covid rules.
As Prince Philip's coffin is lowered into the royal vault, the choir will sing the National Anthem.
The Government website, laying out rules for Covid funerals, states: "If the event is taking place indoors, a single small group of singers is allowed to perform.
"This should be limited to as few singers as possible, with social distancing being maintained at all times.
It comes as...
- Prince Harry and William won't stand near each other at Philip's funeral
- The Royal Family won't wear military uniforms at the service - instead wearing morning coat with medals
- The full guest list of 30 attendees was revealed
- The Queen will sit alone after arriving in a Bentley with a Lady in Waiting
- The pall bearers at Prince Philip's funeral will be members of the Royal Marines
- Pregnant Meghan Markle will make 'private arrangements' to mark the funeral
"Communal singing should not take place inside but if the event is taking place outside, the congregation may join in with singing."
The Queen is to wear a mask at her husband Philip’s funeral — and the royals are banned from singing hymns to stop the spread of the virus.
And Her Majesty has also spared Prince Harry’s blushes by ordering no royals wear military uniform for the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral, The Sun can reveal.
The Duke of Sussex had faced the humiliating prospect of being the only senior male in the royal family wearing civvies after losing his honorary ranks.
There was also said to be “serious Navy displeasure” at being dragged into a row over Prince Andrew possibly wearing an admiral’s uniform.
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Insiders involved in planning for today's funeral claim the Queen personally stepped in to suggest all senior male royals wear suits and ties.
A military source told The Sun: “It’s the most eloquent solution to the problem.”
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Among the security measures in place are extra armed police and uniformed officers on patrol in the historic town.
Gun cops were seen on the Long Walk as the public come to pay their respects to Philip after his death aged 99.
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Prince Harry will have a 'deeply emotional reunion' with the Queen after returning to the UK for Prince Philip's funeral
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