Buckingham Palace has asked the public to refrain from dropping off flowers in tribute to Prince Philip outside its gates because of pandemic restrictions.
Dozens of floral displays were laid by mourners shortly after the death of the Duke of Edinburgh at age 99 was announced Friday, the BBC reported.
A framed notice about the death of the longest-serving royal consort in British history had even been put at the front gates by the palace — but was then removed after an hour to avoid gatherings, including involving those laying flowers, a royal expert told the UK outlet.
“During the coronavirus pandemic, and in light of current Government advice and social distancing guidelines, modified Funeral and ceremonial arrangements for His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh are being considered by Her Majesty The Queen,” the Palace said in a statement.
“With the safety and wellbeing of the public in mind, and in accordance with Government guidelines, members of the public are asked not to gather in crowds,” it continued. “Those wishing to express their condolences are asked to do so in the safest way possible, and not to gather at Royal Residences.”
The statement added: “During this time the Royal Family ask that members of the public consider making a donation to a charity instead of leaving floral group tributes in memory of The Duke of Edinburgh.”
An online book of condolence was available at www.royal.uk for people who wished to leave messages.
More than 100 bouquets, many with notes attached, and two Union Jack flags were placed early at the palace gates, where stewards tried to form an orderly line but encouraged people not to form a large crowd.
Mounted police reminded people to adhere to social-distancing guidelines and remain 6 feet apart from other groups.
Rhea Varma rode up on a bike to lay flowers and a note saying, “Rest in Peace Duke.”
She told BBC News that Philip was “the kind of stability that’s so old-fashioned it’s difficult to comprehend. He was a rock who brought integrity.”
Adam Wharton-Ward, 36, a visitor from France who dropped off a bunch of lilies by the palace gates, said he was so moved by the news that he wanted to “rally round” for Queen Elizabeth II’s sake.
“It’s so sad. He’s been with her for 73 years. If it wasn’t for him, who knows if she would have got through it,” he told the BBC of her long reign.
