Windsor, London: Queen Elizabeth – II husband Prince Philip’s funeral ceremony is going to observe on Saturday, with restricted Covid – 19 rules. The ceremony from behind the stately walls of Windsor Castle, west of London, will be watched by an expected television audience of millions, with the public urged to stay away because of the global pandemic.

The Duke of Edinburgh, described by royals as “the grandfather of the nation” died on April 9, aged 99, just weeks after spending more than a month in hospital for treatment of a heart condition and an infection.

Britain’s longest-serving royal consort was an almost constant presence at the Queen’s side during her record-breaking reign that began in 1952, as Britain rebuilt from World War II and as its global empire began to unravel. At the service, the Dean of Windsor, David Conner, will pay tribute to Philip’s “unwavering loyalty” to the Queen, who turns 95 next week, the country and the Commonwealth, as well as his “courage, fortitude and faith”.

Government Covid – 19 regulations have forced hasty revisions to “Operation Forth Bridge”, the long-rehearsed funeral plans for former Royal Navy commander Philip. But the stripped-back ceremonial funeral will still feature members of the armed services he was associated with lining a short procession route through the immaculately trimmed grounds of the castle, whose history dates back 1,000 years.

His coffin will be borne to Windsor’s historic St George’s Chapel on a bespoke Land Rover hearse which he designed himself, repainted in military green. A minute’s silence will be observed across the country on the stroke of 3:00 pm (1400 GMT) before the funeral service begins.

                 The Queen Elizabeth – II will lead just 30 mourners, as they pay their respects to the man she once called her “strength and stay”, and whose death closes a remarkable chapter for Britain’s most famous family and the country’s recent history. The congregation will mostly be close family, including the couple’s four children: heir to the throne Prince Charles, 72, Princess Anne, 70, Prince Andrew, 61, and Prince Edward, 57.

Also present will be Charles’ eldest son William, 38, who will be joined by younger brother, Harry, 36, after he jetted back last weekend from the United States, where he now lives. All eyes will be on the brothers whose mother was Charles’ first wife, princess Diana after a reported falling out over Harry’s move to California with his American wife, Meghan, and their stinging criticisms of the royals.