What happens when Prince Philip dies?

Prince Philip joined the Queen at a church service in Balmoral on Sunday, just two months after he underwent hip replacement surgery.

The 97-year-old royal retired from public life a year ago but said he would attend events “from time to time”.

According to Business Insider, Philip is the longest-reigning consort in British history, having accomplished a total of 22,219 solo engagements since the Queen’s coronation in 1953.

However, his age – spurred on by false rumours that he was dead already – has prompted questions over what will happen to the royal family, and the country, when Prince Philip dies.

What will happen to the UK?

The Daily Mail reports that a protocol has been established “for the unfortunate day Prince Philip dies”, and that it “differs slightly” from what happens when the Queen dies.

According to the paper, the first part of the plan involves informing the public. “The BBC will be the first media outlet to share the news,” it says. “If it happens at night, the announcement will be made at about 8am GMT the following morning.”

Funeral arrangements will then be made. As the Queen’s consort, Philip would be entitled to a full state funeral, but multiple sources have long reported that he doesn’t want the “fuss” of such an event.

Prince Philip’s body is expected to lie in state at St James’s Palace. He will then be buried at Frogmore Gardens within the grounds of Windsor castle. The funeral is set to take place at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, the location of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in May. 

The public will not be able to see the body. Only family, friends and heads of state from other Commonwealth countries are expected to be invited to the funeral.

Metro reports that both the Queen and the UK will enter a mourning period. The Queen’s mourning period for her husband is thought to be eight days. During this time, laws will not be given Royal Assent and other state affairs will be put on hold.

After eight days, the Queen will return to her royal duties but behind closed doors as the public sees out the remainder of its 30-day mourning period.

What will happen to the royal family?

“Nothing about the line of succession will change if Prince Philip dies,” says the Mail. “Prince Philip is merely a consort to the Queen and has no chance at the throne.”

Prince Charles will remain next in line for the British throne, followed by Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Prince Harry.

The Daily Express suggests that the British public can expect the Queen to “retreat considerably once her husband, who she described on their 50th wedding anniversary as her ‘strength and stay’, is laid to rest”.