Why Prince Philip's Other Grandchildren did not Walk behind the Coffin
During Prince Philip's funeral in April 2021, only a select few family members walked behind the coffin, including Prince William, Prince Harry, and their cousins. This decision was influenced by a combination of royal tradition and practical considerations. Typically, immediate family members are given precedence in such processions, but the choice to limit the procession was likely made to maintain a sense of dignity and order during the ceremony. Additionally, COVID-19 pandemic restrictions may have affected the number of individuals allowed to participate in the procession.
Demographics of the Funeral Procession
Because of the restriction rules caused by the pandemic, the funeral party was reduced to 30 people. All of the Prince's grandchildren were in attendance, highlighting their significant role in the family. Prince Philip had asked that some of his staff be included along with members of his Danish family, further emphasizing the personal touches he added to the funeral arrangements.
Royal Traditions and Gender Dynamics
The British monarchy is a very old institution that has patriarchy running through it. The monarchy has made modest attempts to bring traditions into the 21st century, such as the Act of Parliament in 2012 to do away with primogeniture. This means that male children no longer leapfrog female children in the order of succession. However, the conventions and ceremonies surrounding the monarchy have grown over hundreds of years, with being male being much better than being female. As a result, there is resistance or indifference both from within and without to address entrenched gender inequality.
During royal funerals, it is conventional for men to follow the coffin while women wait at the church. This is based on the idea that men should take the public-facing role behind the coffin, and women should have a support role in the church. An exception was made for Princess Anne because she requested it, but this is the only exception in a tradition that is deeply rooted in centuries of royal protocol.
Gender-Related Excuses and Real Reasons
The notion that Eugenie and Zara couldn't walk because they had recently had babies is viewed as “paternalistic nonsense.” Both had uneventful births and quickly resumed their daily lives, walking and running with much more vigor than required to walk slowly in a funeral cortege. Beatrice, another granddaughter, was also capable of walking but would not have been allowed to due to her gender.
James, the other male granddaughter, did not walk because he is 15 years old. The sight of William and Harry, also 15 and 12 at the time, walking behind their mother's coffin was seared into the memories of the British public. This decision was made to take the heat off the royal family after Charles's divorce and to evoke sympathy. However, it was widely regarded as a public relations disaster that the family has lived to regret.
Restricted Uniforms and Media Relations
Due to the pandemic restrictions, uniforms were not worn by any of the attendees, which helped deflect media attention away from certain individuals. For example, Harry wasn't allowed to wear his honorary military titles, but the bigger issue was Andrew, who wanted to wear the admiral's uniform to the funeral, which would have drawn even more media attention. With no uniforms, the media could focus on Harry, deferring attention away from Andrew.
Prince Philip had a hand in planning his funeral, and most of the details were exactly as he wanted. Though the COVID-19 restrictions meant the funeral was smaller, it was a good send-off for him.
Tags: royal funeral, Queen Elizabeth II, gender inequality