UK: Queen made tough decisions to cut mourners from 800 to 30

The small group to attend the Duke’s funeral include his closest female friend and beloved German relatives.

From one of his closest friends who often kept him company in his final years to the German family to whom he was devoted, the list of mourners at the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral sums up the select group of people who were most important in his life.

Buckingham Palace said the Queen had faced “some very difficult” decisions as she selected the 30 guests permitted inside St George’s Chapel, Windsor, under COVID-19 rules, from the original congregation of 800, and had tried to represent all branches of the duke’s family.

Earlier today, further details of The Duke of Edinburgh's Funeral were released, including more information about the Procession and which members of the Royal Family will be attending.

Find out more on the Royal Family's website:https://t.co/HYtYUDvE4Qpic.twitter.com/YaMICVY3PE

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 15, 2021

Among the mourners is Countess Mountbatten of Burma, 67, previously known as Lady Romsey and later Lady Brabourne, who was Philip’s carriage-driving partner and one of his closest friends. The wife of Earl Mountbatten, Norton Knatchbull, who is the grandson of Philip’s uncle the 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma, who was murdered by the IRA in 1979, she was a frequent guest of Philip’s at Wood Farm in Sandringham after his retirement. Philip began teaching her carriage driving in 1994 and they remained firm friends.

Penny Knatchbull, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, was Philip’s carriage-driving partner and one of his closest friends. Picture: Getty

Also on the list are three of Philip’s relatives who have travelled from Germany for the funeral. Their inclusion is a reflection of how close Philip was to his German family, as well as a reminder of how none of his sisters - who all married German princes - were allowed to attend his wedding in 1947 because of anti-German sentiment.

The three - Bernhard, the Hereditary Prince of Baden; Donatus, Prince and Landgrave of Hesse; and Prince Philipp of Hohenlohe-Langenburg - are said to be isolating at a mutual friend’s home in Ascot, Berkshire.

Prince Philipp, 51, whose grandmother, Princess Margarita, was the duke’s elder sister, said in a statement from the house where he and his cousins are isolating: “It really is an incredible honour and we are all extremely touched and privileged to be included on behalf of the wider family.”

Prince Philipp of Hohenlohe-Langenburg (great-nephew), Hereditary Prince Bernhard of Baden (great-nephew) and Landgrave Donatus of Hesse (cousin) will attend the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh as representatives of the families of the late Duke’s four sisters.#PrincePhilippic.twitter.com/LmHIiaSsk7

— RoyalArjan (@RoyalArjan) April 15, 2021

All of Philip’s children will be at the service, as well as his grandchildren and all but one of their spouses - the Duchess of Sussex. Only two children will attend, Viscount Severn, 13, and Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor, 17, the children of the Earl and Countess of Wessex. The other royals will include the Duke of Gloucester, Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, pictured with their children; Prince Charles (left foreground), Prince Edward (right background), Princess Anne (centre background) and Prince Andrew (left background), at Clarence House in London, on 18 November 2007. Picture: AFP

Among the royals not attending the service are Prince and Princess Michael of Kent - like the Duke of Gloucester and Duke of Kent, he is the Queen’s cousin - and the Duchess of Kent and the Duchess of Gloucester. The Duchess of Sussex, who is in California and expecting her second baby, has been told not to travel by her doctor.

While Prince Harry will attend his grandfather’s funeral, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has been told not to travel by her doctor. Picture: AFP

Buckingham Palace said that the duke had left detailed instructions about his funeral, but declined to confirm whether he played a part in drawing up the list of mourners. “The duke had clearly sat down and everyone was aware of very detailed plans. The family have had to implement his wishes in the best way they can.”

The Palace has confirmed that the royal men will wear morning coats with their medals and the women will wear day dresses.

The Times