THE Queen will have to bravely sit on her own during Prince Philip’s funeral because of strict coronavirus rules.
The only person who could sit with her during the funeral is expected to be Brigadier Archie Miller-Bakewell, Philip‘s private secretary.
He is the only other member of the 20-person Windsor Castle Covid bubble – known as ‘HMS Bubble’ – likely to be at the funeral.
The Earl Peel had overseen arrangements for the Philip’s funeral – known as Operation Forth Bridge – before handing responsibility to his successor, former MI5 spy chief Baron Parker, just over a week before the duke died peacefully at Windsor Castle.
And it is understood the Queen will also wear at mask during the funeral so as not to break the strict coronavirus rules.
It comes as the Queen reportedly “understands” why pregnant Meghan Markle hasn’t flown to the UK with her husband Prince Harry to attend Prince Philip’s funeral.
Meghan, 39, stayed behind in the £11 million California mansion she shares with Harry, 36, and their son Archie.
A source told People that both Meghan and Harry “were in contact with the Queen” soon after Philip’s death.
The source said: “It was always a given that Harry would return to England for his grandfather’s passing.
“Meghan expressed condolences. The Queen understands why she can’t travel at the moment.”
Her understanding comes despite Meghan reportedly saying she had “decided to forgive” the Royal Family after Prince Philip’s death and “wants to put their differences aside”.
A pal told the MailOnline: “Meghan said her main concern right now is supporting Harry… she said she left it up to him as to whether or not she would attend the funeral.
“Meghan said it’s during these times when family should come together, put their differences aside and unite as one.
It comes as the Queen reportedly “understands” why pregnant Meghan Markle hasn’t flown to the UK with her husband Prince Harry to attend Prince Philip’s funeral.
Meghan, 39, stayed behind in the £11 million California mansion she shares with Harry, 36, and their son Archie.
A source told People that both Meghan and Harry “were in contact with the Queen” soon after Philip’s death.
The source said: “It was always a given that Harry would return to England for his grandfather’s passing.
“Meghan expressed condolences. The Queen understands why she can’t travel at the moment.”
Her understanding comes despite Meghan reportedly saying she had “decided to forgive” the Royal Family after Prince Philip’s death and “wants to put their differences aside”.
A pal told the MailOnline: “Meghan said her main concern right now is supporting Harry… she said she left it up to him as to whether or not she would attend the funeral.
“Meghan said it’s during these times when family should come together, put their differences aside and unite as one.
“She said this is what Prince Philip would want and that she’s willing to forgive and move forward.”
Philip’s death comes amid a turmoil-filled 12 months for the royals after Meghan Markle and Prince Harry quit the royal family.
Prince Philip remained one of the hardest working royals in history – since 1952 he attended 22,219 solo engagements and 637 overseas tours in a career marked by his famous gaffes, wit and wisdom.
Read our Royal Family live blog below for the latest news and updates…
