Prince Philip wanted a fuss-free funeral with 800 attendees

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Prince Philip wanted a fuss-free funeral with 800 attendees
Prince Philip never wanted a big funeral.Getty/John Phillips
  • Prince Philip, who died Friday at the age of 99, won't have a state funeral like previous royals.
  • Philip once said he didn't want the "fuss," though his original funeral plans included 800 guests.
  • Due to COVID-19 restrictions, however, the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral will be much smaller.
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With COVID-19 restrictions still in place in the UK, Prince Philip's funeral will be a much smaller affair than initially planned.

It's been known for years that the Duke of Edinburgh - who died on Friday at the age of 99 - would not have a state funeral like previous royals, even once saying that he didn't want the "fuss," according to a 2017 report by The Independent.

But Sky News reported that Philip did plan on a large attendance, with 800 attendees initially planned for the funeral. The Mirror reported in 2018 that he was closely involved in making the arrangements for his funeral with the Lord Chamberlain, the most senior official at Buckingham Palace.

The Duke of Edinburgh's funeral will take place at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, where Queen Elizabeth's parents - King George VI and The Queen Mother - are both buried.

A televised funeral for Philip will be held on Saturday, April 17, at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.

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A representative for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex told Insider that Prince Harry would travel to the UK to attend the funeral. Meghan Markle, who is pregnant, intended to fly with Harry for Philips' funeral, but did not get medical clearance from her physician to travel, the representative said.

Prince Philip wanted a fuss-free funeral with 800 attendees
The Duke of Edinburgh in 2013.Dominic Lipinski/PA Images via Getty Images

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the public has been asked not to attempt to attend any of Prince Philip's funeral events. No more than 30 people are currently allowed to attend funerals, according to the UK government website.

According to Sky News, Philip will then be laid to rest at Windsor Castle "in line with his wishes." Lord Chamberlain Baron Parker of Minsmere, the most senior officer of the royal household, will oversee the funeral's arrangements. The Queen's Comptroller Lieutenant Colonel Michael Vernon will address the "practical side" of the funeral day.

The Sun has reported that the Duke of Edinburgh will be buried in the private Frogmore Gardens on the grounds of the castle, which was a "special" place for him and the Queen - who he was married to for 73 years.

Prince Philip was always candid when it came to his thoughts on commemorating life and death.

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In 2001, when he turned 80, the Duke of Edinburgh quipped that he wasn't sure he'd "recommend it," according to The Guardian.

"It's not so much the age," he added. "But trying to survive the celebrations."

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