Prince Philip Health: What Happens If Queen Elizabeth II’s Husband Passes Away?

Prince Philip is 97 years old, and he recently underwent hip replacement surgery. He is also known as the oldest member of the royal family.

As such, royal fans couldn’t help but wonder what will happen to the monarchy once he passes away. Kate Whitfield, a journalist for Express, shared some information on what typically happens with a member of the royal family dies.

The palace will inform BBC about the death of the royal, and the news outlet will be the first one to break the information to the public. If Prince Philip passes away at night, the announcement will be made at 8 a.m. the next morning.

Flags across the country will also be flown half-mast, and the Prime Minister will decide which sporting and business events will be suspended for the rest of the day.

Royals that die are typically buried in a lying-in-state at Westminster Hall, where members of the public could pay them a visit. But since Prince Philip is known to be a low-profile member of the royal family, there are some predictions that his wake will be quieter and more private.

Prince Philip’s body will lie at St. James’s Palace while funerals are being made. This is also where Princess Diana’s body laid for seven days while funeral preparations were being made.

The Duke of Edinburgh is also entitled to a full-blown state funeral, which will include a gun carriage drawn by the Royal Navy and a military procession. His funeral service may take place at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, and it will be military-style. The guest list will most likely include the members of the royal family, friends, and the heads of the state from Commonwealth countries.

Unlike most monarchs, Prince Philip won’t be buried at Westminster Abbey or St. George’s Chapel. Instead, he will be laid to rest at the Frogmore Gardens, which also in the grounds of Windsor Castle.