Prince Philip death: What happens next as Queen enters official eight days of mourning

The death of Prince Philip on Friday evening (NZ time) has triggered a number of official protocols that must now be followed as the royal family mourns his loss.

While details of the ceremonies over the next few days are yet to be released, there are a series of protocols that are set for a royal consort's funeral.

The Duke of Edinburgh, who died aged 99, is entitled to a full state funeral at Westminster Abbey in London, as well as a period of time lying in state.

Queen Elizabeth II, his wife of 73 years, today begins her official eight days of mourning.

Prince Philip's wishes were for a "no-fuss" send-off, which could mean commemorations of his life are significantly curtailed.

In addition, it is not yet known how Covid-19 lockdown restrictions in UK could affect proceedings.

Regardless, he will be mourned officially and the UK has entered a state of national mourning, which will last at least until the day of the Duke's funeral.

Flags in the country will be lowered to half-mast at all government buildings and military facilities. There will be a particular focus on naval flags, as the Prince had close ties with the royal navy.

The one flag that will not be flying at half-mast is the Royal Standard, which sits atop Buckingham Palace. This flag represents the monarchy and is never lowered.

A Death Gun Salute will be fired late Saturday night (NZT) to pay tribute to the Prince after Westminster Abbey tolled its bell 99 times this evening.

Saluting batteries will fire 41 rounds at one round every minute for 40 minutes at Cardiff Castle, Edinburgh Castle and Hillsborough Castle in Belfast and in Gibraltar.

Male MPs have to wear black ties, and the ceremonial mace in the House of Commons will be either draped in black or have a black bow added to it.

For the next eight days, the Queen will not engage in any affairs of state. No laws will be given royal assent.

The official period of royal mourning can go to 30 days. After that, the Queen will return to her former duties.

Prince Philip will lie in state.

A lying in state has not happened since the death of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, in March 2002.

This would usually happen at Westminster Hall in the Houses of Parliament. However, Prince Philip reportedly declined that option and his body is likely to lie at nearby St James' Palace, the same place where Princess Diana's body lay before her funeral in 1997.

The public will not be able to view his body and pay their respects in person.

Instead of the traditional funeral at Westminster Abbey, he is likely to have a smaller ceremony at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle - the venue where Prince Harry married Meghan Markle in 2018.

He will likely receive a military funeral, as a member of the Royal Navy.

Traditionally, the funeral will not take place on a Sunday or a bank holiday.

The Duke is expected to be buried at the Royal Burial Ground, on Frogmore Estate.

This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission.