Crowds in Windsor hope to catch glimpse of funeral

WINDSOR: Members of the public paid tribute to Prince Philip Saturday, as crowds gathered in Windsor hoping to catch sight of the royal funeral procession.

Police had asked people not to travel to the Berkshire town ahead of the funeral, though dozens gathered along the Long Walk and outside Windsor Castle, to pay their respects ahead of the funeral service which will be televised and shown live at 3pm (1400GMT).

"I think the world have suddenly come to realize how amazing he really was and how he could put people at their ease when he talked to them. Always made a joke, but always had a smile," said Windsor local Fiona Try.

60-year-old Essex resident Chris Imafidon felt "There's no other place I can be except come down here," as he shared his respect for the royal's work with the Duke of Edinburgh Award, the youth program he founded in 1956.

Prince Philip, who died on 9 April at the age of 99, will be laid to rest in the Royal Vault at Windsor Castle after a funeral service steeped in military and royal tradition - but also pared down and infused with his own personality.

Because of coronavirus restrictions only 30 mourners will attend the funeral service, including Queen Elizabeth II, her four children and her eight grandchildren.