Here’s Why Harry and William Won’t Be Walking Together at Prince Philip’s Funeral

Buckingham Palace released some logistical details surrounding Prince Philip’s funeral, scheduled for Saturday, April 17, and it turns out Prince Harry and Prince William won’t be walking next to each other.

They both will walk behind their grandfather’s coffin: Prince William next to Peter Phillips (Princess Anne’s son), and Prince Harry behind them with Princess Margaret’s son, David Armstrong-Jones. 

Before you raise your eyebrows, no, this isn’t because there’s a rift between Prince William and Prince Harry. A Buckingham Palace spokesman explained, per People, this is “a practical change rather than sending a signal.”

The spokesman continued, “This is a funeral, and we are not going to be drawn into perceptions of drama. The arrangements have been agreed and represent Her Majesty’s wishes.”

Both Prince Harry and Prince William released touching statements about their grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh. “My grandfather was a man of service, honour, and great humour. He was authentically himself, with a seriously sharp wit, and could hold the attention of any room due to his charm—and also because you never knew what he might say next,” Prince Harry wrote. “He was my grandpa: master of the barbecue, legend of banter, and cheeky right ’til the end.” 

Prince William posted his thoughts to Kensington Royal’s Instagram page. “I feel lucky to have not just had his example to guide me, but his enduring presence well into my own adult life—both through good times and the hardest days,” he wrote. “I will always be grateful that my wife had so many years to get to know my grandfather and for the kindness he showed her. I will never take for granted the special memories my children will always have of their great-grandpa coming to collect them in his carriage and seeing for themselves his infectious sense of adventure as well as his mischievous sense of humour!”