Her Majesty The Queen thanked people around the world for their kindness and support following the death of her husband Prince Philip, ahead of his funeral.

The Queen sent a message to well-wishers who offered messages of condolence and tributes following the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.

A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said that The monarch, 94, and her family were said to be grateful for the kindness and support shown by people from around the world and were touched by the tributes.

"Her Majesty and the Royal Family are grateful for all the messages of condolence from around the world and have been touched to see and hear so many people sharing fond memories of the Duke in celebration of his life,” the spokesperson said.

"The tributes received from young and old are truly a testament to the remarkable life and lasting endeavours of His Royal Highness." At the ceremonial service, The Queen will sit by herself and wear a face mask throughout. Princes William and Harry will not walk shoulder to shoulder during an eight-minute procession before the funeral.

Buckingham Palace went on to say: “The Queen faced some very difficult decisions as she selected the 30 guests permitted under Covid-19 rules, from the original 800-strong congregation, and had tried to ensure all branches of the duke’s family were there.

The Countess – Penelope ‘Penny’ Knatchbull, previously known as Lady Romsey and later Lady Brabourne – will join the Queen and the duke’s four children and eight grandchildren, as well as their respective spouses, at the service in St George’s Chapel. Countess Mountbatten is the wife of Earl Mountbatten, Norton Knatchbull – the grandson of Philip’s beloved uncle the 1st Earl Mountbatten, who was murdered by the IRA in 1979.

Three German relatives – whose ancestors were denied a place at Princess Elizabeth and Philip’s wedding because of anti-German feeling after the second war – have been included.

They are Bernhard, Hereditary Prince of Baden; Prince Donatus, Landgrave of Hesse; and Prince Philipp of Hohenlohe-Langenburg.