What time is the funeral of Prince Philip? Plans and arrangements explained - and how to watch it on TV

Prince Philip’s funeral will take place at Windsor on Saturday 17 April.

The Duke of Edinburgh passed away on 9 April at the age of 99 and the royal family is currently observing two weeks of mourning.

The funeral proceedings will start at the entrance of Windsor Castle, where the coffin will begin its journey to King George VI memorial chapel.

The service will begin with a nationwide minute’s silence at 3:00pm.

Here’s what you need to know about the schedule for the day, and how to watch the funeral service on TV.

What is the schedule for the funeral?

2:40pm

The coffin will be placed onto a modified Land Rover at the State Entrance of Windsor Castle, ahead of its journey to King George VI memorial chapel.

2:45pm

The funeral procession will begin, with pallbearers from various military regiments associated with the duke walking alongside the vehicle. Prince Charles, Philip’s eldest son, will walk behind the coffin, along with other members of the Royal family. The Queen will travel separately to the chapel.

2:53pm

The Rifles Regiment will welcome the coffin to the chapel with a guard of honour, and a band will play the national anthem. “The Still” - a nautical call - will be played by a Royal navy piping band as the coffin is carried into the chapel.

3:00pm

A nationwide minute’s silence will be held as the funeral begins. The service will be led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.

After the funeral service, the body will be interred in the royal vault.

How do I watch the funeral on TV?

The funeral service will be broadcast on BBC On live on Saturday 17 April from 3pm.

The service will also be available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Why is Prince Philip not having a state funeral?

The service will be a ceremonial royal funeral, instead of a state funeral which is typically reserved for monarchs.

The Queen Mother, who died on 30 March 2002, also received this type of funeral, as well as Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997.

Due to the current coronavirus restrictions on crowds and numbers attending services, Philip’s funeral will be much more understated than usual.

What are the plans for the service?

Prince Philip will be laid to rest in a lead-lined English oak coffin, which was made for him more than 30 years ago.

The coffin matches one for the Queen, who will one day join Philip in their final resting place at the King George VI memorial chapel in Windsor.

His coffin will be draped in his personal flat - his standard- representing elements of his life from his Greek heritage to Edinburgh Castle.

His naval cap and sword will also be laid on the coffin.

The coffin will be carried on a purpose-built Land Rover, which the duke was involved in designing, to St George's Chapel.

Covid restrictions mean the funeral will be kept to a guest list of 30, meaning only members of the Royal Family will attend, along with the Duke of Edinburgh’s personal assistant.

The full details of the invited guests and family members are yet to be announced, but both Prince William and Harry are due to attend the funeral.

The Duke of Sussex has flown over from the US for the service, but his pregnant wife, Meghan Markle, has remained at home on the advice of her doctors.

Previous arrangements for the days after the duke’s death, codenamed Forth Bridge, meant thousands of people would have gathered in London and Windsor on the day of the funeral, if it weren’t for Covid restrictions.

Hundreds of members of the armed forces would also have lined the streets, along with thousands of police officers to control crowds.

But organisers have been working on coronavirus contingency plans which would prevent the funeral from attracting mass gatherings.