What Happens If Prince Philip Dies Revisited Amid Rumors Queen Might Retire

He is currently 98-years-old, and there’s no reason to suspect that Prince Philip won’t be around to celebrate more birthdays. However, as rumors continue to float that his wife, Queen Elizabeth, is potentially eyeing retirement after her 95th birthday in 2021, some are once again wondering what will happen if her Majesty’s husband passes away before either that happens or she herself dies.

Consistent rumors have been flying in recent weeks which suggest Queen Elizabeth is considering invoking the Regency Act when she turns 95, which allows her to step back from her duties and somewhat unofficially retire, giving her son, Prince Charles, the power to rule in her stead, without actually assuming the title of King until her death. Of course, there’s also been those who wonder what the Queen might decide to do if her husband passed away before that time came.

While she could scale back on her duties, it’s been noted that the Queen may also fulfill the promise she made upon her coronation that she would rule until she genuinely couldn’t. Since there is no way of knowing exactly what the Queen would do in that case, here’s a refresher on how Prince Philip's death would be handled if it did, in fact, occur (via Express UK).

The Announcement:

After his death, the BBC will be the first to learn of the news in terms of the media, and they will report it to everyone else. Flags around the UK will then be flown at half-mast, and the prime Minister will determine is activities will be canceled as a result of the news.

Initial Resting Place:

It is believed the Duke of Edinburgh wants to break tradition here, despite his prominence, and he has planned that instead of his body laying-in-state at Westminster Hall so the public can come and pay their respects, he would instead like to have that happen at St. James' Palace, where the public is not expected to be able to view his body.

Funeral:

Though he is also entitled to a full state funeral, the King consort once again plans to break from tradition by having a smaller military-style affair at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, which will be attended by close friends, family members and heads of state from Commonwealth Countries.

Burial:

Again, Prince Philip plans to buck the traditional burial at Westminster Abbey or St. George’s Chapel, and would instead like to be buried in the private Frogmore Gardens on the grounds of Windsor Castle. The gardens reportedly hold sentimental value for both him and Queen Elizabeth.

Mourning Period:

Finally, after the ceremonial parts of his death are completed, the Royal Family enters a period of mourning for 30 days. In that time, the Queen will refrain from all duties for the first eight, before returning to her daily activities professionally. She will, however, continue mourning in private before officially returning to public life after the 30 days pass.