POLICE are forming a ring of steel in Windsor as preparations continue for Prince Philip’s funeral.
These include automated number plate checks, use of CCTV and of barriers to prevent attacks using vehicles, as well as armed and mounted officers being on patrol.
Officers and dogs were examining street furniture including phone boxes, post boxes, drains and bins as part of the operation.
Patrols were also being carried out in Windsor town centre, the Long Walk and Home Park.
Police are stepping up security in Windsor as preparations continue for Prince Philip’s funeral (Image: THAMES VALLEY POLICE)
The Duke of Edinburgh died peacefully aged 99 at Windsor Castle last Friday (Image: BUCKINGHAM PALACE)
Reiterating the requests made by the Royal Household and the Government, the force also pointed mourners towards an online book of condolence to pay their respects.
Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Ben Snuggs, strategic commander for the funeral, said: “We understand that people will want to pay their respects to HRH the Duke of Edinburgh and to the Royal Family during this time of national mourning.
“However, we would ask that the public respect the Royal Household’s wishes and the Government advice by minimising travel and not gathering in groups.
“Instead, we would ask people to use the online book of condolence which has been set up by the Royal Household.
Thames Valley Police said it has put a range of visible and covert security measures in place (Image: THAMES VALLEY POLICE)
“There will continue to be a police presence in Windsor in the lead up to and on the day of the funeral as part of our measures to ensure public health and safety and protective security.
“Our thoughts remain with the Royal Family and all those affected at this very difficult time.”
Buckingham Palace today released details of Philip’s funeral, which will be televised.
The Queen, like all the 30 guests, will wear a face mask during the service which will last 50 minutes.
Officers and dogs were examining street furniture including phone boxes, post boxes, drains and bins as part of the operation (Image: THAMES VALLEY POLICE)
Mounted officers pictured on patrol in Windsor (Image: THAMES VALLEY POLICE)
A palace spokesman said the monarch had to make “difficult decisions about who would be there” due to coronavirus restrictions.
The Queen will be sitting by herself in the quire of St George’s Chapel, with all mourners socially distanced.
Among the guests are all of the Duke’s children and grandchildren and their spouses, the children of the Queen’s sister Princess Margaret and three of Philip’s German relatives, the Hereditary Prince of Baden, Prince Donatus, Landgrave of Hesse and Prince Philipp of Hohenlohe-Langenburg.
Also invited is a close friend of the Duke, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, previously known as Lady Romsey and later Lady Brabourne, Penny who was Philip’s carriage driving partner.
Armed officers pictured on patrol in Windsor (Image: REUTERS)
Royal men will wear morning coats with their medals while the women will wear day dresses.
It comes after questions were raised over Prince Harry and Prince Andrew wearing military uniform.
The Buckingham Palace spokesman stressed Philip’s funeral will “at its heart” be a “family event”.
He said: “We are following the Covid guidelines, there (is) a limit on who could be invited as a guest and Her Majesty wanted to ensure that all branches of the Duke’s family were there, and had to make – I think fair to say – difficult decisions about who would be there.”
Source: EXPRESS CO UK
