The death of Elizabeth II's husband on Friday triggered the establishment of a very strict protocol provided for by British institutions, from the announcement of the death to the funeral.
However, it should be shaken up by the health constraints linked to Covid-19.
DECRYPTION
"The Forth bridge is down".
It was through this coded message, "the fourth bridge has collapsed", that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was warned of the death of Prince Philip, the husband of the Queen of England, on Friday noon.
"Prince Philip has won the affection of generations from across the UK, the Commonwealth and around the world," the head of government said in front of 10 Downing Street shortly after, wearing a black tie, as the wants the millimeter protocol put in place across the Channel in the event of the death of a member of the royal family ... But which should be disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
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The coffin will not be on display to the public
For Philip, who was required by protocol to always walk three paces behind the queen, national mourning was decreed until the funeral.
The prince wanted a funeral in small groups: they should therefore take place in Windsor, where he died.
Only the royal family and a few heads of state will be present.
For the rest, health restrictions necessarily upset traditions.
The coffin will not be on display to the public and the Crown is asking the British not to congregate in front of the royal residences.
On Friday night, Westminster bells rang 99 times, once a minute, in tribute to the 99-year-old prince.
On Saturday, at 1 p.m. French time, cannon shots will sound across the country.