What happens now that Prince Philip has passed away?

Earlier today Her Majesty The Queen announced that Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh had passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle aged 99.

After marrying the Queen in 1947, the Duke of Edinburgh was the longest-reigning consort in British history, standing beside our Queen for over 73 years. Over the last few years the Duke - who stepped back from public engagements in 2017 - had rarely been seen in public. He returned home to Windsor Castle in mid March after a month-long stay at King Edward VII's hospital in central London to treat an infection and to undergo a procedure for a pre-existing condition.

Following the Duke's death on April 9th 2021, many are wondering what happens next. The Guardianhave previously revealed the plan in place for when the Queen dies, known as "London Bridge is Down." But what protocol is in place now that Prince Philip has passed away?

As the Queen has outlived her husband, it is believed she will be given an eight day period of mourning where she is able to forgo her Royal duties and let someone stand in her place if needed. Following this time, she will likely return to her role but behind closed doors.

Britain will then enter a 30 day mourning period. Once this longer period of mourning is over, the Queen will return to more public Royal duties and appearances.

Will there be a large funeral?

In typical Prince Philip style, he has apparently requested for people to not make a fuss over his funeral, so although he is entitled to a large funeral, it's unlikely to happen, meaning it will just perhaps be a ceremony for family and friends as well as heads of state.

It is still unclear how COVID-19 restrictions, which remain in place across the United Kingdom, might impact these plans.

Historically, the funerals and coronations of members of the Royal Household are usually organised by the Earl Marshal and the officers in the College of Heralds.

Codenames have also been used in the past relating to plans for their funerals. These codenames were first invented so that switchboard operators couldn't learn of Royal deaths ahead of any public announcements. For example, when King George VI passed away in 1952, the phrase "Hyde Park Corner" was used to communicate with government officials about his death.

For 21st century Royals, bridges have been used as codenames. For Queen Elizabeth, operation London Bridge will be used for her death and funeral. Operation Tay Bridge was the name used for the Queen Mother and Diana, Princess of Wales' deaths.

For Prince Philip, his death and funeral plans are under the name Forth Bridge, and operation Menai Bridge refers to the funeral plan for Charles, Prince of Wales.

Once it comes to laying his body to rest, his body will be buried in the grounds of Windsor Castle in Frogmore Gardens. This is a very personal place for the Queen and Prince Philip as it's closed off to the public and is often where she walks her dogs.

In their statement, Buckingham Palace shared that "The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss", and that further announcements will be made in due course.

The Royal Family website has also been made temporarily unavailable while changes are made.

Look back at vintage photos from the early stages of the Queen and Prince Philip's 70 year marriage in the gallery below...