The Queen will be forced to sit alone at Prince Philip’s funeral because of this heartwrenching rule
The Duke of Edinburgh's funeral will take place on April 17


The Queen will be forced to sit alone at Prince Philip’s funeral service on April 17 due to a strict rule.
- Though many senior Royal Family members will be attending the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral, it seems they likely won’t be able to sit with Her Majesty.
- There is one person who could potentially be eligible to sit beside the Queen, though they are not a royal themselves.
- In other royal news, Prince Harry is concerned about being in the UK alone for Prince Philip’s funeral.
The Queen and the wider Royal Family were left devastated last week as they announced the tragic news that Prince Philip had passed away at Windsor Castle. After being married for over seven decades, the monarch described his loss as leaving a “huge void” in her life. Though she will have wonderful memories and will think back on his humorous quips fondly, the Queen will no doubt be relying greatly on her loved ones for support.
It’s been suggested that her daughter-in-law, Sophie, Countess of Wessex has been a “tremendous source of comfort” to her. Whilst her grandson Prince William’s touching tribute photo to the Duke of Edinburgh reaffirmed his commitment to supporting her and getting “on with the job”, just as Philip would want.
A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)
A photo posted by on
Prince Philip’s funeral service will take place on Saturday, April 17 at St George’s Chapel. The funeral won’t be a state one, as requested by Philip, though it's thought Prince William and Prince Harry will walk shoulder to shoulder and many royal family members will wear their military uniforms.
However, though many key members of the Royal Family will be in attendance, the Queen won’t be able to sit with them during the funeral because of one heart-breaking rule.
Why will the Queen sit alone at Prince Philip’s funeral?
Though the prospect of the Queen sitting alone at her beloved husband’s funeral is heartwrenching, there is one strict rule which makes this seem very likely to happen. Although this rule is in place to keep people safe, it may still be hard to bear.
The current UK Covid-19 restrictions state that anyone attending a funeral must stay at least two metres apart from anyone not from their household.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)
A photo posted by on
This means the Royal Family will be forced to spread out in St George’s Chapel. However, because the Queen doesn’t live on her own, she is not eligible to be in a support bubble.
This means that only a member of her Windsor Castle staff could potentially sit with her during Philip’s funeral.
Who might be able to sit with the Queen at Prince Philip's funeral?
According to The Telegraph, the Duke’s private secretary, Brigadier Archie Miller-Bakewell, is expected to be one of the 30 mourners allowed at the ceremony.
As he is part of Her Majesty’s bubble at Windsor, the publication suggests he may be the only attendee eligible by law to sit with the Queen.
A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)
A photo posted by on
But whilst the Queen may have to sit alone during Prince Philip’s funeral, that doesn’t mean that she is not fully supported by her loved ones.
Knowing they are there spread out throughout the chapel will likely still be of great comfort to her.
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. She specialises in the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the latest royal outing or unmissable show to add to your to-watch list, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
What is pink mould and how can you get rid of it safely? Experts share advice
While you may not have even heard of pink mould, it's relatively common and important to know how to tackle it quickly
By Emily Smith Published
-
The White Company's Hypoallergenic Mattress Topper is surprisingly affordable and a dream to sleep on
The The White Company Hypoallergenic Comfort Topper offers a gentle, supportive layer to your sleep set-up for a surprisingly affordable price.
By Laura Honey Published
-
Prince George’s hilarious warning for TV star passed on by Prince William ahead of series cameo
The Prince of Wales has passed on a cheeky message from Prince George to the star of one of his new favourite shows
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton and Duchess Sophie prove that buying items you love in multiple colours can really pay off
They've shown that having your favourite pieces in several shades can be so handy if they're true to your signature style
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie means business in powder blue power suit and reminds us tailoring can be fun as well as sophisticated
If you always thought tailoring was a little too corporate you might re-consider after seeing Duchess Sophie's fabulous pastel co-ord
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Snake print wedges with lemon-drop-yellow? Duchess Sophie just showed us how it's done
The Duchess of Edinburgh has brought back one of her favourite dresses for the first time in 2025 and styled it with snake print shoes
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton addresses family move and why she and Prince William swapped London for Windsor
The Princess of Wales has explained why she and Prince William moved to Berkshire in 2022 and it makes complete sense
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie's soothing sage walls and cream cabinets in Bagshot Park kitchen create a sense of calm cosiness
The Duchess of Edinburgh's royal kitchen is a calming space with soft green and cream tones and she once shared a glimpse of it
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie brings royal style to New York with chocolate brown blazer and pink satin shirt
The Duchess of Edinburgh was the epitome of smart sophistication in New York in her tailored blazer and contrasting shirt
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Duchess Sophie's comfy trainers are a pair you'll wear on repeat – and they're on sale today
These royal-approved chunky Puma trainers are so versatile
By Emma Shacklock Published