Buckingham Palace ask people not to lay flowers as they pay respects to Prince Philip

People have been asked not to lay flowers in tribute to Prince Philip

Buckingham Palace have urged people not to lay flowers outside the Palace following the news of Prince Philip's death on Friday. With Covid restrictions still in place, the Palace have asked that people avoid any scenarios where crowds gather and have suggested alternative ways of paying their respects. Speaking on BBC News, Royal Correspondent Nicholas Witchell said: "They are understandably very anxious to avoid doing anything or encouraging anything which leads to crowds gathering. "They are actually discouraging people from leaving flowers because that brings people together. "They encourage people instead to perhaps go onto the online books of condolence or they are encouraged to donate to charities of their own choice or charities that are known to have been close to the Duke's heart."

A brief statement on behalf of the Royal Family confirmed the news of Prince Philip's passing shortly after midday on Friday.

"It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh," the statement read. "His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle." He is expected to have a royal ceremonial funeral following, having insisted he did not wish to have a state funeral because he 'did not want a fuss'.